People with Tattoos and piercings can now donate blood as long as the inked area has healed completely, following the FDA’s lifting of its decades-old deferral requirement in hopes that more people donate lifesaving blood donations.
Wait a Week After Your Tattoo
Tattoos and piercings don’t disqualify anyone from donating blood as long as they were done at a state-regulated parlor using sterile needles and non-reusable ink. You can donate just one week after getting a tattoo or piercing, provided any infections from either process have passed through your system and ensured the blood you donated was safe for recipients.
Donate at a Regulated Facility
Tattooed individuals may feel intimidated to donate blood due to a false perception that doing so would disqualify them. However, this is not the case! Donating blood is an amazing way of saving lives, and countless needy individuals could use help donating blood. Tattoos applied at state-regulated parlors using sterile needles and non-reusable ink can be donated soon after getting them.
Donate After a 12-month Waiting Period.
Getting a tattoo or piercing doesn’t disqualify you from blood donation, provided it was completed at an appropriately licensed state facility with sterile needles and non-reusable ink. Piercings may also be donated, provided they were done at a regulated piercing shop with needles not reused. However, if you suffer from sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, or genital warts, you must wait 12 months before giving blood.
Donate After a Mass Casualty Event
At mass casualty events, blood donation needs are at their peak. Tattooed or pierced donors may be rejected due to the increased risk of transmitting infectious diseases through unprotected contact. However, tattoo people can still donate blood if they take certain precautions and follow safety guidelines. Finding an approved facility and following safety protocols can help save lives.
