Can I donate blood if I get a tattoo?

Read to know what the doctor has to say.

Are we allowed to donate blood, if we have a tattoo? This question basically arises because of the risk of acquiring an infection while getting a tattoo done through a contaminated needle. As there is no regulation and safety tags over the needles used in tattoo parlours, according to Dr Sudheendra Udbalker, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetologist & Venereologist at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, it is recommended that a person having tattoo should not donate blood within 6 months of getting the tattoo. This is just a infection control mechanism. If an infected person donated blood, his blood would eventually be tested after collection. Many certified tattoo parlors use sterile needles and ink that is not reused. Those who get cosmetic tattoos in a licensed establishment using sterile needles and ink that is not reused can donate blood. Having said that, you must discuss your particular situation with the doctor at the time of donation.

When people with tattoo arrive to donate blood, they must be open to answering questions about their health history. This is especially important for people with cosmetic tattooing. Anyone with cosmetic treatment that pierces the skin must ideally wait for at least four months before making an appointment to donate. Read more about Can you donate blood if you have a skin disease?

Things to take care of before donating blood:

• Maintain a healthy iron level in your diet.
• Get a good night's sleep.
• Drink an extra liter of water or nonalcoholic fluids before the donation.
• Eat a healthy (read non-fatty) meal before your donation.

Things to take care of after donating blood:

• Keep the strip bandage stuck on for a while as it helps to keep skin rash at bay.
• For the remaining day, do not do any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise.
• If you experience dizziness or lightheadedness after donating blood, then stop everything and simply just lie down till the time you do not gain back energy. Read here Can you donate blood if you have cold, fever or flu?

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