Quote Originally Posted by Puttzer
I'm confused.

As I do understand: Almost all O2 transport is via red blood cells with a very very small O2 component dissolved in the fluid. If I give 1 pint of blood, I have donated 5% of my blood. But a 30% blood loss will cause irreversible shock. Fluid replenishment will not effectively increase O2 transport. And it may take up to 2 months to regenerate my RBC count.

It would seem that with no physical stress issues diving would be OK but perhaps more prudent to wait depending on one's age and overall health and conditioning? But how long to wait?

Unless I had more definitive answers, I'd contact DAN.
Read my post again, Scuba Doc (Dr. Ernest Campbell, who also writes for DAN on occasion) states "if not anemic" on the blurb regarding blood donation. Like Kelly stated a lot more oxygen is also dissolved in the plasma at increased partial pressure, your tissues will utilize this oxygen at rest, they switch to bound oxygen (that oxygen in hemoglobin) during exercise (if I remember my exrecise physiology correctly), so it is important not to be anemic in the first place. Chances are that if you are in good shape, do not have any chronic health issues and eat a well balanced diet, you will not be anemic. Your advise is good too, call DAN and confirm everything, don't believe everything you read in the internet... .

Dive safe,

Celia