March 16, 2023

Giving Blood with Tattoos

Did you know it’s a common misconception that you cannot give blood if you have tattoos? There is a high level of people with tattoos who’ve heard this myth at some point in their lives. As a result, hundreds of people opt to not give blood which ultimately could save lives. In fact, 1 pint of blood – which takes about 45 minutes to give – could save three lives.

In a majority of states in the US, you can give blood immediately after getting a tattoo. The Redcross deems a person is immediately eligible for blood donations if they received the ink within a state regulated entity. This is a majority of the country.

Non-State Regulated Tattoo Facilities and Giving Blood

But there are some exceptions. If you got your tattoo in state where facilities are NOT state regulated, you have an incubation period of 3 months. This doesn’t mean your tattoo was performed in an unsafe manner. Every state has its own legality for tattooing. For example, in the state of New Hampshire, the facility is not regulated. But each artist is required to have a license under which they go through classes and learn proper sterilization techniques and safe practice. There are several other states which do not regulate facilities. Those states are: Georgia, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Wyoming.

Why is there an Incubation Period?

The main concern with giving blood after getting a tattoo is possible exposure to Hepatitis B & C. If the tattoo is applied by a state regulated entity using sterile needles and ink which has not been reused the risk is considered lower. Hep B & C is highly contagious and potentially deadly. It is spread by coming into contact with blood which is contaminated. Thus, an incubation period is required if you received a tattoo within a state which is unregulated. This is to make sure you haven’t contracted the disease and are unknowingly spreading it through blood donation.

Other Circumstances Around Giving Blood with Tattoos

But what if you didn’t get the tattoo from a licensed artist or state regulated facility? We all know or have heard of someone who either gave themselves a tattoo, got a tattoo in someone kitchen, or maybe someone who go ink while in prison. If you fall under one of these categories – you can still give blood. But you must wait 12 months from the tattoo to insure you haven’t contracted the disease. In most cases, Hep B & C do not show symptoms until around 3 months of exposure. When you cannot guarantee the environment, you received your tattoo in, you fall under this category of 12-month incubation period.

If you’re unsure if it’s safe to give blood, always talk with a doctor/professional in regard to your last tattoo session. Please read more about the importance of giving blood and pre-cautionary measures.

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