Where Can I Donate Blood
Visit one of our Southern California locations or a mobile blood drive in the community at scbloodbank.org/donate.
Orange County Locations
Irvine and Newport Beach: Irvine Business District |
San Diego County Locations
- Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad: Coastal Donor Center |
- Escondido and San Marcos: North County Donor Center |
- Poway, Mira Mesa, Sorrento Valley: Sabre Springs Donor Center |
- La Jolla, Carmel Valley, Del Mar: Carmel Valley Donor Center |
- Central San Diego: Gateway Donor Center – San Diego Blood Bank HQ |
- La Mesa, El Cajon, Santee, Lakeside: East County Donor Center |
- NEW! Point Loma, Ocean Beach, Old Town: Liberty Station Donor Center |
- NEW! Chula Vista, National City, Imperial Beach, San Ysidro: South San Diego |
Can You Donate Blood If You Have Tattoos
Millions of Americans have one or more tattoos and the art form continues to grow in popularity. An amazing fact is that tattoos have been around for thousands of years. The first known tattoo was discovered on an Iceman found near the Italian-Austrian border that was carbon-dated nearly 5,200 years back. Fast forward to the 21st-century where popular tattoo designs include hearts, birds, wildlife, symbols, and skulls.
A common question among potential blood donors is: Can I donate blood if I have a tattoo? and the answer is yes, but there are certain requirements.
Blood Donation and Tattoos
In the state of Florida, a person can donate blood as soon as their tattoo heals as long as they received that tattoo from a licensed tattoo facility. If they did not receive their tattoo at a licensed facility, a 12-month deferral rule still applies. These requirements can change by state, so be sure to check with your local blood center for their regulations.
Fun Tattoo Facts
- Nearly 145 million Americans have tattoos
- About 47% of Millennials have one or more tattoos
List Of Countries That Dont Allow To Donate Blood
The following states do not require tattoo establishments to be regulated:
- Arizona
- Utah
- Wyoming
Some cities or counties within these states may, however, regulate tattoo parlours on a municipal basis.To avoid infecting their customers blood with bloodborne diseases, state-regulated tattoo shops must follow certain safety and health criteria. In uncontrolled tattoo shops, these standards cannot be guaranteed.
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Yes You Can Donate Blood If You Have Tattoos
If you got a tattoo in the last three months, it is completely healed, and was applied by a state-regulated facility, which uses sterile needles and fresh inkand you meet all donor eligibility requirementsyou can donate blood!
The same rules also apply to ear and body peircings. Remember, tattoos also include tattoo touch ups and permanent cosmetic tattoos.
Did you know that California is a state that regulates tattoo shops? That means once healed, you are able to donate as long as you meet all the other basic donor requirements.
States that do not regulate tattoo parlors:
Connecticut Georgia Idaho Maryland Nevada New York Pennsylvania Utah Wyoming
You need to wait 3 months after getting a tattoo in any of the above states or outside the United States. Set a calendar reminder to donate blood after your 3-month deferral period.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Getting A Tattoo
Because tattoos pierce the skin, they can lead to skin infections and other common issues, such as Allergic responses. Tattoo pigments, particularly those in the colors green, red, yellow, and blue, can show allergic skin reactions like an itching rash at the tattoo site. This can even face years after the tattoo is applied.
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Can Plasma Centers Tell If You Got A Tattoo
Plasma centers cant tell if you have a tattoo and when you got it. However, if your tattoo is on a visible spot like your hand, arm, or neck and is fresh, the center might get to know that youve recently got a tattoo. Before donating blood or plasma, the center will run a few blood tests on you that usually help detect any possible virus such as hepatitis. These illnesses are common in people who get piercings and tattoos, especially if they have gone through a tattoo process using unsanitized tattooing instruments. Hepatitis can cause severe illness, and by donating blood while having a tattoo, youre putting the receiver at a huge risk.
Sometimes you can get away with a tattoo and donate blood without anyone ever knowing about this. However, this again is a big risk, as you may possibly put someones life in danger. Having a tattoo doesnt mean you cant donate blood ever. As a donor, you have to meet a few requirements if you have a tattoo to make you eligible to donate blood or plasma. You can find these out below.
Do Not Lie Regarding Donating Blood After Tattoo
Lying about when you got your tattoo is unethical, especially if you got it a week or two before going to the blood facility. Fresh tattoos have a distinct sheen and appearance, indicating that youve only recently gotten your tattoo.
Staff at blood donation centers are well-trained in evaluating blood donors before proceeding. As a result, you should avoid deceiving them and save yourself some embarrassment. If they discover you lied, you could be barred from donating blood again. This is the last thing you want to happen, especially if someone dear to you needs Blood.
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What Would Restrict Me From Donating
As mentioned, there would be a medical history screening and a test for transmissible diseases before you get a pass. If you have a background history of a certain disease, you may be disqualified. It can be a severe chronic condition or an illness caused by a transmissible virus. You will not be allowed to donate blood or plasma.
Heres a list of conditions that would hinder you from being a donor, along with some common requests regarding eligibility.
What To Do After You Donate Blood
Just because youre through with the donation doesnt mean your responsibility is over. Youre still at the risk of inheriting different viruses and diseases. Thus, you must take care of yourself, as after donating blood, you start to feel drained. You must do a few things to maintain your blood pressure and avoid the feeling of fatigue by constantly drinking water.
Plus, you must consume at least 32 ounces of water and avoid alcoholic beverages for at least one or two days. This is the time to rest as much as possible and stay away from unnecessary physical activity that may make you feel weaker. Moisturize the area where youve got your tattoo, especially if its still new.
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Are There Any Donor Rewards Or Donor Programs That I Can Get Involved In
Yes we have two donor programs. All donors are automatically enrolled in the Gallon Milestone Recognition Program where donors receive special rewards and recognition for reaching specific gallon milestones. Donors may also sign up for the Guardians Circle Donor Pledge Program. This is a membership-based appreciation program for donors that pledge to donate within 8 weeks from the day they are eligible to donate. .
You Also Cant Donate If You Have Any Piercings That Are Less Than 3 Months Old
You often cant donate blood for 3 months after getting a piercing, either.
Like tattoos, piercings can introduce foreign material and pathogens into your body. Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV can be contracted through blood contaminated by a piercing.
Theres a catch to this rule, too.
Though many states regulate facilities that provide piercing services, there are specific rules regarding eligibility based on the equipment used.
If your piercing was performed with a single-use gun or needle at a state-regulated facility, you should be able to donate blood.
If the gun was reusable or youre not absolutely sure that it was single-use you shouldnt give any blood until 3 months have passed.
Conditions that affect your blood in some way may make you ineligible to donate blood.
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Donating Blood Is Easy
Donating blood is about a 45-minute process, but the actual donation of one pint takes about eight to 10 minutes. People can donate every 56 days, but the body replenishes the fluid lost during donation within 24 hours. It is important to eat a good meal and hydrate the day before and the day of a donation.
Donations can be scheduled at either of Garth Englunds blood donor centers in northern Colorado the center at 1025 Pennock Place in Fort Collins or the center at UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies, 2500 Rocky Mountain Ave., in Loveland. Interested donors should call or fill out this form to schedule an appointment at either of these locations.
Other organizations outside northern Colorado also operate blood donation centers and host blood drives. Contact your local blood donation center today to donate.
To donate, a person must be at least 18 years old and show photo identification. New donors must weigh at least 120 pounds and be in good health. Prior donors must weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors can donate 14 days after having a COVID-19 vaccination.
Show off that ink and give the gift of life. Sign up to donate blood today.
Donating Plasma Faq: Everything You Need To Know About Plasma Donation
Do you want to donate plasma, either to earn a little extra money or to help your community? Although its a fairly common practice, its a little more complicated than donating blood. If youre thinking of doing this for the first time, you might be uncertain what to expect. Read on for our guide to frequently asked questions about the requirements for donating plasma and the process overall.
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How Do You Donate Plasma When You Have Tattoos
If you want to donate plasma when you have tattoos, there are a few things you need to do.
Side Effects Of Donating Plasma
Donating plasma can have side effects that are typically minor, but if its your first time donating, you may wish to have a ride home, just in case. Bruising and nerve irritation are among the most common, usually around the injection site. It may have mild swelling, which can be treated with cold packs. Nerve irritation causes immediate, intense pain at the injection site and can cause shooting pain down the arm and into the hand. If this happens, alert the technician theyll immediately remove the needle. This should eliminate the stabbing pain, although some mild discomfort may remain for a day or two afterward.
More serious risks of donating plasma may be a drop in blood pressure, which can result in light-headedness or fainting. Some people experience this as a result of fear of needles or having blood drawn. Other possible side effects include sweating and paleness, weakness, sudden warmness, or nausea or vomiting. Dizziness and blurred or tunnel vision may also occur.
More serious risks of donating plasma may be a drop in blood pressure, which can result in light-headedness or fainting.
If a mild reaction occurs, the donation is typically paused, calcium may be given to you to eliminate these side effects of donating plasma. However, with a severe citrate reaction, the donation process is halted. You may need emergency attention.
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Who Can’t Donate Plasma
You can’t donate plasma if you:
- have had most types of cancer
- have some heart conditions
- have received blood, platelets, plasma or any other blood products after 1 January 1980
- have tested positive for HIV or HTLV
- have had an organ transplant
- are a hepatitis B carrier
- are a hepatitis C carrier
- have injected non-prescribed drugs including body-building and injectable tanning agents
There are other medical conditions that may mean you can’t donate. Please call us on 0300 123 23 23 to check if you can donate.
I can afford to give my plasma to someone in need, its my way of sharing a bit of happiness. The team at the centre are lovely, they feed me chocolate!
Veronika Royle donates plasma in Reading.
The Benefits Of Using Donotpay To Start Plasma Donation
DoNotPay recognizes that your time is valuable. We want to make the process of finding the right clinic for donating your plasma fast, easy and successful. You do not have to spend all your time researching or calling clinics now. We can also help you find the answers to other common questions about plasma donation.
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Procedure After Donating Blood
Your responsibilities as a donor dont automatically end after your blood has been taken.
When the job is done, you are then going to have to make sure that you do all you can in order to avoid getting diseases and viruses, since your immune system will be down after youve donated blood and when youve had a tattoo.
Do everything you can to look after yourself after youve had a tattoo in order to avoid any nasty side effects.
Do things to keep your blood pressure in check and to avoid getting fatigued. The best thing to do is to have lots of water. Hydration can help you to avoid any unwanted side effects from giving blood.
You should aim to have a minimum of 32 ounces of water after you have given blood, and dont drink anything containing alcohol around one to two days after you have given blood.
You need to be taking the opportunity to rest and relax after you have given blood, so dont overexert yourself physically either since it can add to feelings of weakness.
Look after your skin in the area of the tattoo as well there are products designed specifically for this purpose.
Next Steps For Donating Plasma If You Cant Do It Yourself
Finding out if you’re eligible for donating plasma takes time. While some institutions may allow you to donate under some conditions, others will refuse. This makes it difficult to know whether and where you can donate plasma.
If you’re struggling to find a place to donate plasma yourself, you can always ask for assistance from DoNotPay. Here’s how you can use DoNotPay to become a plasma donor:
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Can Tattoos Affect Your Ability To Donate Blood & Plasma
Donating blood or plasma requires you to take full responsibility, as you are saving someones life. Hence, you need to consider various factors and go through an assessment to check your eligibility for donating blood or plasma. Most of the donation centers take necessary tests to see if youre eligible to donate blood.
So, before offering to donate blood, you must assess yourself if youre fit and healthy. Plus, you must avoid donating blood in certain conditions, especially if youve recently got a tattoo.
There are a few reasons why you cant donate blood after getting a tattoo, and to learn those, you must read further below. In some cases, youre eligible to donate blood even while having a tattoo. So spare a few minutes and find out more. You never know, you might still be able to save a life while adorning your body with different tats.
Is It Common For People To Exaggerate How Long It Has Been Since They Got A Tattoo
Yes, theres a good chance youll provide a donation center with incorrect information regarding your tattoo. But why would anyone want to put their life in jeopardy when the whole point of donating Blood is to save lives? Its sometimes foolish to lie about your tattoo because blood and plasma donation centers run a series of tests on you before you give.
So, even if you lie, it will not benefit you or rescue you from disgrace. These tests determine whether you have a sickness or illness that could endanger the individual who receives your Blood.
Tattoos can cause a blood infection, but this isnt usually the case. It only happens if the ink or equipment used is of poor quality, and if your tattoo artist failed to follow sanitization procedures.
When you get a tattoo or have any area of your body pierced, your immune system begins to digest things carefully. As a result, you become more susceptible to various viruses and infections, particularly bloodborne illnesses like hepatitis.
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Q: Can You Donate A Blood If You Have Tattoo
Yes, people who have undergone body art procedures or have body piercings can surely donate blood but only after a specific period of time and once you meet certain established regulations. As per the World Health Organization guidelines, one is eligible to donate blood only after a year of getting a tattoo.
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