Ask the Experts - Spring 2022 - NHS Blood Donation
Discover expert answers to your questions about blood donation in our Spring 2022 edition of Ask the Experts. Learn tips, advice, and insights to make donating easier and safer.
www.blood.co.ukDirect answer: In many places you can donate blood after getting a tattoo, but the rules vary by country and by where the tattoo was done. A common deferral period is a few months, though some regions allow donation sooner if the tattoo was performed in a licensed facility with sterile practices.
What this means for you in Newark, NJ:
- United States guidance generally defers donation for a short period after getting a tattoo if the tattoo was done in a non-medical setting or if the facility isn’t state-regulated. If your tattoo was done in a licensed facility with sterile needles and you meet all other eligibility criteria, you may be eligible after the standard waiting period set by your local blood bank. Check with New Jersey Blood Services or the American Red Cross for the specific deferral period and eligibility in your area.
- To be sure, contact a local blood bank or donation location (e.g., NJ Blood Services or Red Cross) to confirm current rules, as deferral periods can change and may depend on where the tattoo was applied and when.
Tips to maximize your donation chances:
- If you recently got a tattoo, ask the shop whether it’s state-regulated and whether sterile practices were used.
- Be ready to provide details about the date of your tattoo and the facility.
- Ensure you meet all other donor criteria (age, weight, health, recent illnesses, medications).
If you’d like, I can look up the exact current deferral rules for New Jersey and direct you to the nearest donation center.