Can i give blood if i have a tattoo

But one misconception about tattoos ─ that people with tattoos are ineligible to donate blood ─ has prevented some from getting inked or giving back. It's a common myth that having tattoos makes you ineligible to donate blood. This was true in the past, but it isn't a barrier today. Fact is, even if you're inked, you have the power to build a healthier world and save lives.

She Stands Out

Carolina Holler, a 28-year-old from San Paulo, Brazil, is no stranger to tattoos. She was 18 when she donated blood for the first time and 20 when she got her first tattoo. That tattoo would be the first of many.

Carolina's tattoos aren't a barrier that keep her from donating blood. She made the decision to give back, to show everyone you can have tattoos and be a regular blood donor.

Having a fascination with the human body at a young age, her passion for healthcare, blood donation awareness and body art would become a defining characteristic of her adulthood.

"I have 10 tattoos. And that hasn't stopped me from donating blood. You can plan your tattoos around blood donation," she said.

Tattoo, not taboo

Over the past few decades, tattoos have become less taboo. A Harris Poll found that nearly half of all millennials have tattoos. Among people who have tattoos, seven in 10 don't stop there, ending up with a tattwo and a tatthree.

Now, more than half the nation includes people who are Millennials, Gen Z and younger. That means there’s a likelihood a young donor who steps up to fight against current blood shortages will have a tattoo. Or maybe even a few.

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.

Make Your Mark

Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, and your donations have the power to change lives, regardless of your tattoos.

Don't let your ink stop you from donating blood.

You don't have to compromise your individuality, style, sense of adventure or your love of body art to become a regular donor. Tattoos are a permanent statement of who you are, what (or who) you love and what’s important to you.

So is becoming a donor.

You can leave your mark on the world by donating ─ a permanent sign of your selflessness and the difference you've made in changing lives.

Carolina inspires those around her to donate, especially loved ones her age. She's a reminder that it’s on us (ahem, millennials and Gen Z) to step up and give back.

"Even if you're not able to donate, you can go with a friend who's donating and be a support system for them. Make it social," she said.

Millions of Americans have one or more tattoos and the art form continues to grow in popularity. An amazing fact is that tattoos have been around for thousands of years. The first known tattoo was discovered on an Iceman found near the Italian-Austrian border that was carbon-dated nearly 5,200 years back. Fast forward to the 21st-century where popular tattoo designs include hearts, birds, wildlife, symbols, and skulls.

A common question among potential blood donors is: "Can I donate blood if I have a tattoo?" and the answer is yes, but there are certain requirements. 

Blood Donation and Tattoos 

In the state of Florida, a person can donate blood as soon as their tattoo heals as long as they received that tattoo from a licensed tattoo facility. If they did not receive their tattoo at a licensed facility, a 12-month deferral rule still applies. These requirements can change by state, so be sure to check with your local blood center for their regulations. 

Fun Tattoo Facts

• Nearly 145 million Americans have tattoos 
• About 47% of Millennials (those born between 1981 - 1994) have one or more tattoos
• The oldest tattoo shop in the US is Bert Grimm's Tattoo located in Long Beach, California  (now called Outer Limits)
• It's ten times more expensive to have a tattoo removed than to get one
• National Tattoo Day happens on July 17th each year 

Tattoo or non-tattooed friends who are ready to donate can find a Big Red Bus or Donor Center here. Blood donations often drop during the summer, so we invite you to be a summer lifesaver and help keep a ready blood supply for your community. 

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