Two failed blood donations. Worried about hematocrit.

[hankerata]

I take TRT via injection. The last two times I donated blood, the phlebotomist messed up and only got a partial draw. The rules are that once you get stuck, they can't switch arms. So instead of having given blood twice, I barely gave much blood in either draw. I've noticed my eyes are a bit bloodshot, and my BP is a bit higher than normal. Also, I have a vague feeling of tightness in my chest -- but I acknowledge that this could be anxiety.

If my hematocrit were high in a dangerous way, would I have other signs? I made an order to get it tested tomorrow via DiscountLabs, but I've been feeling off lately, and while it could be unrelated, I'm worried I may have let my hematocrit get out of control. I could use some feedback for others who've maybe been in similar positions. I'm just a little nervous about this, perhaps irrationally. Thanks.

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Your symptoms could just be worry-related. The hematocrit test (part of CBC) will let you know in a day.

 

[WhiteMale]

If you can get a finger stick Hemoglobin test you can take that result and multiply it by 3 and have a fair approximation of your HCT value.