Blood Donation Recovery Planner

Plan the first days after donating whole blood, plasma, or platelets. Enter your weight, biological sex, and donation type to calculate fluid replacement targets, estimated iron loss, and a conservative window before resuming intense activity.

Current body weight in kilograms.
Used to estimate total blood volume (female ≈ 65 mL/kg, male ≈ 70 mL/kg).
Select the procedure completed.
Optional. Default 50 ng/mL if blank.
Optional. Default 14 days if blank.

Calculations use average donation volumes and cannot replace personalised medical advice. Always follow the guidance of your blood collection service.

Examples

  • 70 kg male, whole blood donation, ferritin 45 ng/mL, event in 7 days ⇒ Blood volume ≈ 4,900 mL, drink ~0.79 L (788 mL) extra, replace ~220 mg iron, blood loss 10.7%, ready for intensity after 2 days so a 7-day event is safe.
  • 60 kg female, plasma donation, ferritin left blank, event in 1 day ⇒ Blood volume ≈ 3,900 mL, drink ~0.94 L (938 mL), replace ~25 mg iron, blood loss 16.0%, advised rest is 1 day so an event tomorrow just meets the guidance—monitor energy levels closely.

FAQ

How should low ferritin influence training?

If your ferritin is below 30 ng/mL, extend the rest window and consult a clinician about supplementation. The calculator automatically increases the iron replacement recommendation in this case.

Can I count sports drinks toward fluid replacement?

Yes. Combine water with electrolyte beverages to reach the suggested millilitres. Spread the intake over several hours to improve absorption.

Do medications affect recovery time?

Some medications (e.g., blood thinners) prolong bleeding risk. Use the planner as a guide but verify with your doctor if you take any medication that affects clotting or red cell production.

Additional Information

  • Whole blood donations typically remove 500–525 mL and ~200–250 mg of iron; plasma and platelet donations return most red cells.
  • Total blood volume is approximated at 65 mL/kg for females and 70 mL/kg for males.
  • A 60% increase in fluid intake over the removed volume helps restore plasma levels within 24 hours; include electrolytes for sessions longer than 60 minutes.
  • Rest recommendations assume uncomplicated donations; extend the window if you experienced vasovagal reactions or low baseline ferritin.

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