Blood donation is a noble and a selfless way to give back to the community and do a good deed. Health institutions are constantly urging the public to donate blood, and they have a good reason to do so; it is reported that up to 36 000 units of blood are needed every single day in the USA.
However, there are some rules and restrictions that have to be followed in order to protect the health and safety of both the donor and the prospective recipient.
So how do you know if you’re an eligible donor? Let’s take a look at some general guidelines and reflect on restrictions regarding body art in all its forms, including permanent makeup.
Eliminating factors
In the USA, in order to donate blood, you must be over 17, but donors aged 16 are also accepted with a written consent from a parent or legal guardian (regulations might vary from state to state). The weight of donors over 18 must be over 110 pounds. For donors aged 16-18, there are additional weight/height restrictions.
Certain diseases and conditions also disqualify you from donating blood: AIDS or HIV, type 1 diabetes, blood cancer, coronary heart disease, pregnancy and nursing… Since they are at a bigger risk of contracting AIDS and HIV, homosexual men can donate if at least 12 months have passed since their last sexual encounter. All donated blood is tested once obtained in order to prevent any disease from being transmitted. Should the lab identify any viruses or diseases, the donor will be contacted and notified.
If you suspect you have a cold or a similar illness, you should wait until it has passed. You must be in good overall shape.
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Body art and blood donation
It is a misconception that people with tattoos, piercings anywhere on the body, and other types of body art are not eligible for blood donation. In fact, in most countries blood from people with body art is accepted after a certain period of time has passed since getting it. The purpose of the deferral period is to prevent the transmission of hepatitis.
The same applies for acupuncture.
Can I donate blood if I have permanent or semi-permanent makeup?
In this respect, permanent makeup and semi-permanent makeup falls under the category of body art. So the answer is yes, you can and you should donate blood if you have permanent makeup, just make sure you follow the regulations regarding the time that must elapse since your last treatment or touch up appointment.
Image source: Pranidchakan Boonrom from Pexels
Body art and blood donation
How long after a pmu treatment should I wait to give blood?
You need to wait for a minimum of four months from the date of your permanent makeup treatment before you donate blood. It is advisable to check on the official website of The Ministry of Health in your state first, as the date can vary in some states.
In the UK, the limit is 4 months. In some other countries, it’s 6 months. In the USA, the deferral period is 12 months, but this doesn’t apply to tattoos done at state-regulated facilities.
Cover image source: Freepik
