You're correct that tattoos have been known to interfere with certain types of medical scans, such as an MRI. When pigments in
Tatoos do not affect blood tests.
Rarely, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam may trigger burning pain in the tattooed area. Sometimes, tattoos can lower the quality of an MRI image.
Common Policies for Tattoos in the Medical Field
Neck, face, or collar tattoos are widely restricted in the workplace. Visible body piercings, including on the nose, lips, and face, should be removed or concealed. Visible tattoos must be covered up by long sleeve scrubs, medical tape, or makeup.
Tattoos. Some tattoo ink contains traces of metal, but most tattoos are safe in an MRI scanner. Tell the radiographer immediately if you feel any discomfort or heat in your tattoo during the scan.
Tattoo inks may have high levels of heavy metals such as arsenic (As), hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)], mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni), antimony (Sb) and barium (Ba).
A rumor that circulates on the web is “Do you know that those who are tattooed cannot do MRI or CT scan because they will get burned?!?” After careful research and being thoroughly informed, we have come to the truth: for the CT scan in any case, there is no no complications.
Research has shown individuals with a tattoo are no more or less likely to be hired than someone without a tattoo. In the medical field, showing you have a passion for helping people and the skills to be helpful is much more important to an employer than the ink you got when you were 18.
Medical tattoos, just like normal tattoos, are markings on your body that convey important information about your pre-existing medical conditions. Medical alert tattoos help medical personnel and emergency responders know how to provide you with the appropriate treatment even when you are unconscious.
In rare situations, tattoos may make an MRI less comfortable. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that tattoos can cause irritation and burning during an MRI. A scientific review also reported a tattooed athlete experiencing a burn-like injury during an MRI.
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!
Researchers have been testing whether tattoo dye causes melanoma and other skin cancers, and conclusions thus far indicate the ink is relatively safe. Reports of allergic reactions and infections have been cited, but there's been no link found between tattoo pigments and skin cancer.
If you have a medical problem such as heart disease, allergies, diabetes, skin problems like eczema or psoriasis, a weak immune system, or a bleeding problem, talk to your doctor before getting a tattoo. Also, if you get keloids (an overgrowth of scar tissue) you probably should not get a tattoo.
It usually takes about 6 – 12 weeks for the body to finish getting rid of these loosened ink particles.
Three-Month Waiting Period
These wait-time requirements for both tattoos and piercings are related to concerns about hepatitis which can easily be transmitted from donors to patients through transfusion. All blood donations are tested for hepatitis B and hepatitis C with several different tests.
Some healthcare facilities, especially hospitals and clinics with more conservative dress codes, may have policies requiring nurses to cover visible tattoos, especially those on the hands, neck, or face. They usually do this to maintain a professional appearance and avoid distractions and potential patient discomfort.
Having diabetes doesn't mean you can't have a tattoo or piercing. But your blood sugar levels must be in range before you do. If they aren't, your tattoo or piercing might not heal properly or quickly, and risk getting an infection.
The bone frog tattoo remains a mainstay in Navy SEAL lore to this day.
Yes, California employers can ask employees to cover tattoos and piercings. Employers can even refuse to hire potential employees with tattoos or piercings.
Most hospitals and clinics do have policies in place about tattoos, and those policies vary greatly from facility to facility. Most say they are okay, although some say they should be covered at all times.
Realistically, can nurses have tattoos in the workplace? The short answer: It depends. While there is no law prohibiting nurses from having tattoos, some facilities' protocol forbids workers from having visible body art. Healthcare institutions have diverse tattoo policies.
While people with tattoos can safely undergo an MRI, in rare cases, it may cause some discomfort or interfere with the scan. MRIs use radio waves and powerful magnets to create images of organs and tissues inside your body.
Infection can occur after tattoos and even the most well-done and safe of plastic surgery procedures. If there is any chance one procedure will affect the other, your cosmetic surgeon will guide you to the best (and safest) direction.
You can usually donate immediately after receiving a tattoo in licensed parlors in most American states, however a 3-month deferral will apply if tattoo is received in: Georgia, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Wyoming, as well as the District of Columbia, US Territories, ...