Aviation Medical Blood work question

[redwing]

Hi,

I know when you give blood donations you should wait at least 48 hours until you fly, but when you do the blood work for an aviation medical is it also 48 hours?

Thanks for the help

[switchflicker]

I didn't know that aviation medical required any bloodwork. But if your
CAME likes the idea, it'll be only a couple of teaspoons full. Unlike a Canadian Blood Services Donation which is a pint or so.

My answer to your question is no, there is no waiting time after a DOT medical.

Hopes this helps. I take it you are new to the licenced pilot game. Welcome.

[DaveC]

I didn't know that aviation medical required any bloodwork. But if your
CAME likes the idea, it'll be only a couple of teaspoons full. Unlike a Canadian Blood Services Donation which is a pint or so.

My answer to your question is no, there is no waiting time after a DOT medical.

Hopes this helps. I take it you are new to the licenced pilot game. Welcome.

First I've heard of a blood test being done with a medical as well, do you have any conditions or family risks (diabetes, etc.)? Only thing I can think of. Urine test is usually done for drug testing.. otherwise I have no idea.

And +1 - blood donation / blood work are completely different. I'd say you are good to go.

[Jack Klumpus]

The urine sample is not a drug test.

[erics2b]

Urine test is usually done for drug testing

It's actually done to examine sugar levels, to look for signs of Diabetes, I believe.

[DaveC]

Urine test is usually done for drug testing

It's actually done to examine sugar levels, to look for signs of Diabetes, I believe.

You are correct. Guess they don't do drug testing. Any idea why he would need a blood test?

[KK7]

To save the OP from divulging too much personal information, I'll point out that sometimes a blood test can be ordered if something doesn't look right in the normal examination. Sometimes something doesn't look right initially, and all it takes is a simple blood test to clear it up then off you go with the medical. When a doctor finds a problem on an exam, they don't just turn you out the door and say too bad so sad... generally they like to know what's going on!

[redwing]

Thanks for the replies, I thought getting blood work was the norm for every medical renwal? this is my second renwal and each one I had to do the blood work and an ECG.

[frozen solid]

The urine test may be for sugars; I'm not sure, but they also test it for proteins. Blood pressure is regulated by your kidneys, so the results of the urine test along with a high blood pressure can indicate some kidney problems. They take high blood pressure pretty seriously. I had a blood test ordered when I showed up with elevated blood pressure and my urine sample also had some higher amounts of undesireable stuff. If I recall correctly, there were proteins and ketones in there that shouldn't have been. I was prescribed some "water pills" that reduce sodium in the bloodstream and everything eventually went back to normal. But yes, they use urine to test for all sorts of things, but not illegal drugs.

In response to the original question, the amount of blood taken for the test is pretty small and therefore of no consequence with respect ot your airworthiness. If you're planning on using it as an excuse for an extra day off, though, good luck. Hopefully your boss isn't reading this.

I don't think it's normal to have the blood work ordered at every medical, unless there is something they don't like in your urine.

[MIQ]

My question is not a 100% related to the topic but I didn't want to start a new one for it.
So today I went to the Doctor to get my first Aviation Medical, I got a Cat 1. Besides the normal stuff I also got sent to a different Doctor to get a baseline hearing test done. I had to pay $150 for the Aviation Medical Examiner and then the audiology clinic charged me another $50 for the hearing test. I knew that I would have to pay 150 for the medical but for some reason I thought everything would be done at the same clinic and everything would be included.
I'm wondering now if it is always the case that one has to go to two different doctors to complete the medical and if it's always necessary to pay twice or are there doctors out there that do everything all together? Did I just get unlucky with mine? I went to one in Downtown Toronto.
Thank you!