I have a tattoo or piercing. Can I donate?

Yes, but if it was recent you may need to wait for a bit. It depends what you got, where and when.   

  • Tattoos: You can donate plasma (and show off your new ink!) straight away after a tattoo, as long as it was done in a licensed tattoo parlour in Australia. But, you’ll need to wait one week to give blood or platelets, no matter how big or small the tattoo is — that means cosmetic tattoos, too. If the tattoo wasn’t done in a licensed tattoo parlour in Australia, you’ll need to wait four months before donating.
  • Ear piercing: You can only donate plasma for the first 24 hours after having it done. After that, you can donate blood or platelets too.  
  • Body piercing: You can only donate plasma for the next 4 months after having it done. After that, you’re good to give blood or platelets.  

Whether it’s your ear or anywhere else, the piercing should be done with clean, single-use equipment. If it wasn’t or you aren’t sure, you’ll need to wait at least four months before you can donate anything.   

So, how about it? Book your donation in now