Tattoos and blood donation
Here's my public service announcement for the day (for all American citizens*):
Don't let your tattoo prevent you from donating blood.
I have! See, in the three years since I got a tattoo, several people have told me that they thought you couldn't give blood if you have a tattoo... so I didn't. This morning I finally remembered to look it up for myself, and guess what? They were wrong.
According to the Tattoo section on the American Red Cross Blood Donation Eligibility Guidelines web page:
Wait 12 months after a tattoo if the tattoo was applied in a state that does not regulate tattoo facilities. This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis."
"Acceptable if the tattoo was applied by a state-regulated entity using sterile needles and ink that is not reused. Only a few states currently regulate tattoo facilities, so most donors with tattoos must wait 12 months after tattoo application before donating blood. You should discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation."
Now all of the tattooed people on my flist will probably rise up in a chorus of "yeah, yeah, we knew that." ::grin:: OK, so better late than never, right? I've made an appointment for Sept. 4.
But that brings me to the next part of the PSA:
When was the last time YOU gave blood?
I bet that for most of you, giving blood is one of those things that you intend to do but never quite get around to. Once again, the Internet makes it easy. Just go to www.redcross.org, click on "Give blood," and type your ZIP code into the search box. You'll get the schedule and location of blood drives in your area, and many of them will let you make an appointment online!
I love living in the 21st century! :)
*I have no idea what the blood donation eligibility requirements are outside of the USA.
Don't let your tattoo prevent you from donating blood.
I have! See, in the three years since I got a tattoo, several people have told me that they thought you couldn't give blood if you have a tattoo... so I didn't. This morning I finally remembered to look it up for myself, and guess what? They were wrong.
According to the Tattoo section on the American Red Cross Blood Donation Eligibility Guidelines web page:
Wait 12 months after a tattoo if the tattoo was applied in a state that does not regulate tattoo facilities. This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis."
"Acceptable if the tattoo was applied by a state-regulated entity using sterile needles and ink that is not reused. Only a few states currently regulate tattoo facilities, so most donors with tattoos must wait 12 months after tattoo application before donating blood. You should discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation."
Now all of the tattooed people on my flist will probably rise up in a chorus of "yeah, yeah, we knew that." ::grin:: OK, so better late than never, right? I've made an appointment for Sept. 4.
But that brings me to the next part of the PSA:
When was the last time YOU gave blood?
I bet that for most of you, giving blood is one of those things that you intend to do but never quite get around to. Once again, the Internet makes it easy. Just go to www.redcross.org, click on "Give blood," and type your ZIP code into the search box. You'll get the schedule and location of blood drives in your area, and many of them will let you make an appointment online!
I love living in the 21st century! :)
*I have no idea what the blood donation eligibility requirements are outside of the USA.