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Tunachokijua
For years, many have believed that people with tattoos cannot donate blood.However, having a tattoo does not automatically disqualify someone from donating blood. According to the American Red Cross, people with tattoos may donate blood if the tattoo was applied in a state-regulated facility using sterile, single use needles and ink that is not reused.
The restrictions are mainly intended to reduce the risk of transmitting blood borne infections, particularly hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
CLAIM
For years, many have believed that people with tattoos cannot donate blood because tattoos make their blood unsafe for transfusion.FACT CHECK
The belief is a myth and is false.According to the American Red Cross, a person with a tattoo can donate blood in most states if the tattoo was applied by a state-regulated entity using sterile needles and ink that is not reused.
The same applies to cosmetic tattoos, including eyebrow microblading, provided they were performed in a licensed establishment in a regulated state using sterile needles and non-reused ink.
However, people who received tattoos in states where tattoo facilities are not regulated may be required to wait three months after getting the tattoo before donating blood.
The waiting period is linked to concerns about hepatitis, which can be transmitted through contaminated tattoo equipment and can potentially be transmitted from an infected blood donor to a patient through transfusion.
Although donated blood is tested for hepatitis B and hepatitis C using several tests, the Red Cross notes that testing is not perfect. This is why eligibility rules and waiting periods remain important.
Therefore, the presence of a tattoo alone does not prevent someone from donating blood. Eligibility depends on how and where the tattoo was applied and the applicable blood-donation rules.
VERDICT
False.Having a tattoo does not automatically prevent someone from donating blood. People with tattoos can donate if they meet the applicable eligibility requirements. In some circumstances, a temporary waiting period may apply because of the risk of blood-borne infections such as hepatitis.
