Giving Blood and Flying

[ComplexHiAv8r]

I know when giving blood they tell you not to do heavy lifting, and wanted to ask if there were any issue about flying due to reduced O2 at altitude.

Thanks

Also, you coming to NJC06 Doc?

[My Flight Surgeon]

You can feel OK at ground level but have some of the hypoxic effects of less hemoglobin at altitude after blood donation. There was a study about 20 years ago that demonstrated after 3 days it is OK to fly if the cabin altitude remains at or below 6000 feet.

I don't plan on NJC06 right now. I am teaching at the University on thast Friday until 5:30 so it would be a rush trip to LAS. I do plan on trying to make 07 though.

[Bandit_Driver]

You will find that most airlines have a 72 hour rule in their manuals...

[ComplexHiAv8r]

Thanks for the info. I was wondering when giving blood Friday when I got a phone call that might of either been an hour flight or 3+ hour drive Friday. I resolved it and didnt need to make the trip, at least until Monday.

[My Flight Surgeon]

The 72 hour rule probably came from the study I referred to. It was done by the FAA.

[I_Money]

Doc - I have a question on the subject. I am not able to donate blood as I lived in the severely dodgey country of England during the 90s. The concern is I could pass on mad cow disease (contrary to popular belief it has nothing to do with Magaret Thatcher).

Am I eligible for organ donation? My parents are adamant that I am not due to not being eligible to donate blood, however with the shortage of available organs, the risks being incredibly small and effecting so few, it leaves me to wonder.

[My Flight Surgeon]

Generally the same rule apply. The presence of "mad cow disease" in an organ fonor is an absolute NO to donation. Having lived in England would be a consideration but the question would be handled on a case by case basis.