Tattoos & Blood Donation: Myths & Facts

‘Can a person with tattoo donate blood?’ is a recurrent query that keeps maximum people at a loose end. Blood donation is the noblest way to extend help to people in dire need of it.

Misconceptions associated with having tattoos are among the popular myths which have prevented many people from donating blood. Come! Let’s quash the myth and know more about blood donation criteria and the time period for which one should wait after getting a tattoo.

Most people are misled by the fact that they cannot donate blood if they have a tattoo.

However, the truth is most people who get a tattoo can donate blood. Getting a tattoo does not disqualify you from donating blood. You don’t have to compromise your lifestyle choices, style and individuality to become a donor. In addition, there are no such sources claiming that you cannot donate blood if you have a tattoo.

In other words, people with tattoos are eligible for blood donation. However, individuals need to wait for a particular time and meet specific criteria. Blood donation and tattoos do not have any connection.

If you recently got yourself inked, you must wait at least for six months before donating blood.

According to the American Red Cross, a person who did not get a tattoo from a licensed facility needs to wait for 12 months before donating blood to ensure that they are free from any infectious diseases possibly acquired after getting a tattoo. Rules around tattoos and blood donation criteria have changed over the years.

Even if you have a tattoo, do not hesitate to donate blood as that’s the most pressing priority ever.

Health concerns associated with a tattoo are escalating. As a result, bulks of potential donors have turned away from the blood bank as they are under continuous threat of acquiring multiple contagious diseases like hepatitis, HIV, etc.

If the needle used in the process is not sterilised or has residue of infected blood, one can get infected with diseases like hepatitis or HIV. The bloodstream can easily transmit hepatitis. There is a prevalent risk of transferring that to the person on the receiving end during a blood transfusion. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can be deadly. So, people who are HIV positive or affected by any of the above-mentioned diseases should not donate blood.

Likewise, people should refrain from giving blood right after getting a tattoo to prevent cross-contamination and blood-borne diseases. Instead, they can donate blood after a deferral period of 12 months as it is longer than the incubation period of hepatitis B. This deferral period also makes sure that the tattoo has adequate time to heal.

Getting your tattoo done from an authorised place is vital as there are high chances of contracting infectious diseases otherwise. Make sure the needles and other tools are new and sterilised. Furthermore, any foreign substance like metals or inks can disrupt the immunity system.

In addition to this, skin infections, inflammations are common side effects of getting a tattoo. Individuals who underwent surgeries or have injuries should not donate blood. Tattooing and piercing are highly risky since both are associated with needles.

People generally give in to the myths and start believing them. But, blood donation after getting a tattoo is possible and safe. However, you will have to wait for six months after getting a tattoo to prevent transmitting severe ailments. The following span of 6 months will allow the tattoo to heal completely.

Moreover, the blood donated by a tattooed person undergoes additional testing to eliminate even the slightest chance of contracting a deadly disease.

On the whole, donating blood is a noble act since one donation can save up to three lives. Donating blood is a sign of selflessness and shows your contribution to improving someone’s health condition and saving a life.

So, a person with a tattoo can donate blood without hesitation if he or she is free from any severe ailments. Now that you have gone through this article, don’t let hoaxes overpower your wish to donate blood.