Getting a tattoo is one of the best ways to express yourself. However, one of the downsides of getting inked is the numerous things people with tattoos can’t do for a short time—like donating blood. But what else can’t people with tattoos do with the ink on their skin? Here are some frequently asked questions about getting tattoos and what happens after.
1. How Long Should I Wait Before Donating Blood?
Getting a new tattoo can put a damper on your plans to donate blood. Blood donation centers typically disqualify people from donating blood for a short period after getting inked due to the risk of infections. The waiting period is said to depend on the type of tattoo. The waiting period for donating blood is typically up to 12 weeks, but it could be more time than that.
2. Can I Donate Blood After Getting a Piercing?
It depends on how you get a piercing. Most blood donation centers permit people with new piercings to donate blood after 12 weeks. However, there are some exceptions. The American Red Cross requires an awaited period of one year for anyone who gets a piercing in the mouth. Other piercing-related surgeries like earlobe repair and cauliflower ear are not permitted to donate blood.
3. What are the Qualifications in Donating Blood?
To donate blood, you must be in good general health, weigh 110 pounds or more, and not have donated blood in the last eight weeks. Additionally, you cannot be taking certain drugs, such as illegal drugs, anabolic steroids, or any prescribed medications. And if you have traveled to a country with a risk of malaria, you cannot donate blood. You also cannot donate blood for one year after traveling to countries with a chance of yellow fever.
4. Can I Get Tattoos Removed After Donating Blood?
When you donate blood, you may think about getting tattoos removed because you don’t want to wait for the year to pass. However, you cannot donate blood if you’ve gotten tattoos removed by another person or clinic in the last eight weeks. If a blood center considers the removal procedure riskier than the tattoo, you may need to wait for more than eight weeks.
5. What Should I Expect After Donating Blood?
Donating blood is supposed to be relatively painless. However, if you feel dizzy or weak after the experience, you may want to rest for a couple of hours. It is rarely necessary for a blood donor to go to the emergency room for a donation. If you experience severe health issues after the donation, you may need to contact your doctor.
Why Should People With Tattoos Donate Blood?
People with tattoos are responsible for ensuring the blood supply is safe and monitored. Currently, one of the main reasons people with tattoos donate blood is the growing number of people with diabetes.
Diabetes is often a complication in people with tattoos. These people are also not able to donate blood due to the disease. By donating blood, you contribute to the improvement of the blood supply. You are also helping others who may need blood.
Conclusion
Getting a tattoo and donating blood are essential acts of self-love and service. If you have donated blood but have gotten a new tattoo, you may have to wait a few weeks before you can donate blood again.
Tattoos are not necessarily dangerous, but there are some precautions you need to take after getting a tattoo. It is essential to speak with your doctor about tattoos and what you should know before getting inked.
Lucky Deville Tattoo Co is a tattoo shop in Buffalo. Aside from the usual inking jobs, we also offer tattoo touch-up services for clients wanting to change their tattoos and turn them into new masterpieces. Book an appointment with us today and visit the tattoo shop near you today.
