Can you donate blood with tattoos?

Author: Miss Gwen Nader III  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Yes, you can donate blood if you have tattoos If you got a tattoo in the last three months, it is completely healed, and was applied by a state-regulated facility, which uses sterile needles and fresh ink—and you meet all blood donor eligibility requirements—you can donate blood!

Do tattoos disqualify you from donating blood?

Most people with tattoos can donate blood as long as they don't have risk factors that prohibit or limit blood donation, and if they got a tattoo at a state regulated facility. In the U.S. you have to wait 3 months to donate if the tattoo was from a state that does not regulate tattoo facilities.

Can I give blood after a tattoo?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that individuals wait at least four months after getting a tattoo before donating blood to ensure that the tattoo has healed and that the individual does not have an active infection.

What are reasons you can't donate blood?

Health conditions: People with certain diseases or health conditions (e.g., sickle cell disease, HIV, cancer, malaria) may need to consult with their donation center to discuss eligibility. Additionally, you are not eligible to donate if you received a blood transfusion in the last 3 months.

Can I donate blood if I remove my tattoo?

``If you have recently had a tattoo or body piercing you cannot donate for 6 months from the date of the procedure. If the body piercing was performed by a registered health professional and any inflammation has settled completely, you can donate blood after 12 hours.''

Can you donate blood if you have a tattoo?

Who should not donate blood?

Permanent Reasons People Can't Donate
  • Have ever had a positive test for HIV (AIDS virus)
  • Are a hemophiliac.
  • Had viral hepatitis B or hepatitis C.
  • Had certain forms of cancer (contact us regarding medical eligibility at 800.688. 0900)

Which is the rarest blood type?

Of the eight main blood types, AB- is the least common, but the rarest type of all is Rhnull, where a person has no Rh antibodies in their blood. Having a rare blood type makes it more difficult for a person to receive a blood transfusion.

Why would you be rejected from giving blood?

Activities include: Nonprescription injection drug use. Engagement in sex for money or drugs. New sexual partner or more than one sexual partner in the last 3 months and engaged in anal sex in the last 3 months.

What blood type is O positive?

38% of the population has O positive blood, making it the most common blood type. O positive red blood cells are not universally compatible to all types, but they are compatible to any red blood cells that are positive (A+, B+, O+, AB+).

What disqualifies you from donating plasma?

Those diagnosed with a serious or chronic illness–like high blood pressure, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, or a primary immunodeficiency (PI)–are not eligible to donate plasma. Those who have high blood pressure would need to be tested to see what their current blood pressure is at the time of donating.

Can you donate blood on your period?

Yes. Menstruating doesn't affect your ability to donate. Enjoy your relaxing time on the donation couch and a tasty snack afterwards. As someone who menstruates, it's a good idea to check out our information about iron.

Do tattoos affect blood tests?

Tatoos do not affect blood tests. However, blood tests might show some inflammation or signs of infections.

What is the disadvantage of tattoos?

A skin infection is possible after getting a tattoo. An infection might be due to contaminated ink or equipment that isn't sterilized correctly. Getting a tattoo at a studio that doesn't follow good safety steps also can raise your risk of a skin infection.

Can I donate blood if I vape?

Although smoking cigarettes, vaping, and using cannabis will not disqualify a person from donating blood, they should refrain from smoking for at least 2 hours before and after donating blood. A person may feel lightheaded or weak after giving blood, and smoking can exacerbate these symptoms.

Why can't females donate platelets?

HLA antibodies can develop after being pregnant; they aren't normally harmful to the person who acquires them, but they can be harmful for a patient who receives a platelet or plasma transfusion. Female donors found to be negative for HLA will be eligible to donate platelets.

Do you get paid to donate blood?

While blood donation typically takes 10 minutes or less and is unpaid, the process of donating plasma takes longer and the donors are often paid. The compensation is for the time donors spend during plasma collection. Donors typically receive payment via prepaid debit cards from commercial (for-profit) plasma centers.

Is O+ more rare than O?

Types O negative and O positive are in high demand. Only 7% of the population are O negative. However, the need for O negative blood is the highest because it is used most often during emergencies. The need for O+ is high because it is the most frequently occurring blood type (37% of the population).

What is the healthiest blood type?

Of the eight main blood types, people with Type O have the lowest risk for heart attacks and blood clots in the legs and lungs. This may be because people with other blood types have higher levels of certain clotting factors, which are proteins that cause blood to coagulate (solidify).

Can O+ and O have a baby?

For example, parents who both have Type O will always pass on their own blood type. However, parents who both have Type B can have a child with either Type O or B, and parents who both have Type A can have a child with either Type O or A. A combination of Type A and Type B can lead to any blood type.

What is the rarest blood type?

AB negative is the rarest of the eight main blood types - just 1% of our donors have it. Despite being rare, demand for AB negative blood is low and we don't struggle to find donors with AB negative blood. However, some blood types are both rare and in demand.

What is the golden blood group?

Golden blood type is the world's rarest blood type, with fewer than 50 known cases ever reported. When a person's blood lacks all 61 possible antigens, they are said to be Rh-null. Because Rh-null lacks all possible antigens, it can be donated to people who have blood types that are very different from the main eight.

How to know your blood type without testing?

Without drawing blood

Around 80% of people produce the relevant antigens in their saliva. According to 2018 research , if a person secretes these antigens in their saliva, a dried saliva sample can reliably indicate their blood type.

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