Can You Donate Plasma With Piercings and Tattoos?

We’re keeping you up to date and informed on changes as they happen.

“Can I donate plasma with a tattoo or a piercing?”

It’s one of the most common questions BioLife gets asked, and we’re always thrilled to be able to answer potential donors with an enthusiastic YES – you can donate plasma if you have tattoos or piercings.

These unique works of art tell your story and show the world who you are, and now you can add more to your story by generously donating plasma.

Even better, we’ve updated our policies to make it easier than ever for people with tattoos to donate.

You may be able to donate plasma through tattooed skin.

A medical professional will evaluate the area and determine whether it is suitable for donation.

The skin must be free of redness, tenderness, swelling, bruising, discoloration, cuts, irritation, and signs of infection.

This means that if you were deferred in the past due to a tattoo or have been holding off on donating because you had questions or concerns of your own, now’s your time!

We get a lot of other questions related to donating plasma with tattoos and piercings, too.

We’re breaking them down here to help you understand your options and feel confident in your decision to donate.

You don’t have to wait long after a tattoo or piercing to donate plasma and change a life.

The standard waiting period remains four months.

When you begin the donation process, the most important thing is to be honest.

Be as accurate as you can when sharing information about your piercings or tattoos before you donate so that we can best take care of your needs, and the needs of those getting therapies with plasma.

If you got a tattoo within the last four months, your eligibility to donate plasma might be affected.

Since plasma is a component of your blood, our BioLife medical professionals need some time to rule out any potential blood contamination that can be common with new tattoos and piercings.

Once we understand your situation, we’ll provide specific guidance to you. It’s that simple!

You may be wondering why a waiting period is needed at all.

It all comes back to safety.

Our top priority is keeping every participant safe, which includes your health and the health of those receiving therapies.

New tattoos and piercings are essentially fresh wounds, and they can get infected fairly easily.

Whether it’s new ink or a nose ring, you’ve come into contact with a needle.

Because of this, four months is accepted as the standard window of safety.

Timing isn’t the only thing to think about when you’re donating plasma with tattoos or piercings.

Here are some additional topics to consider.

While we updated BioLife’s policies in June 2026 to allow plasma donation through tattooed skin, your tattoo’s location may still be a factor.

Our medical professionals at your donation center might need to assess whether the tattoo’s placement could affect the donation process.

It’s important to be as honest as possible about where you received your tattoo or piercing.

If your tattoo was done in the United States at a regulated and licensed establishment, there’s a good chance you’ll be eligible for donation.

State-regulated tattoo and piercing shops have strict rules to keep things clean and safe.

However, tattoos done outside the United States or in unregulated settings, like a tattoo done at home or by a friend, could potentially be flagged for potential health or safety issues.

It always comes down to everyone playing their part in keeping both donors and those receiving plasma therapies safe.

If you’re worried your tattoo or piercing may show signs of infection, the donation center will more than likely defer your donation of plasma until there are no longer any visible signs of infection.

Great question!

If you’re beyond the four-month deferral period, the best thing you can do is to be honest during the eligibility process.

Answer all questions as accurately as you can so that we can determine if plasma donation is safe for you and the people who might receive your plasma.

Nothing is more important to us than your safety, and the safety of our donors and those receiving therapies.

All our donation centers comply with federal guidelines to minimize the risk of bloodborne illness and infection.

We have screening policies in place and may require deferrals in certain scenarios to protect all involved.

Thank you for making the generous choice to donate plasma!

Your gift of plasma has the power to change someone’s life.

You may be eligible to donate plasma if: 

1. Your tattoo or piercing is fully healed. 
2. Four months have passed since you received it. 
3. It doesn’t show any signs of infection. 
4. It doesn’t otherwise pose a risk to the donation process.

Ultimately, your eligibility is determined through our eligibility process.

Keep in mind that the patients who receive therapies made using your plasma often have weaker immune systems, so safe plasma is incredibly important.

Tattoos and piercings are unique ways to express yourself.

Fortunately, they don’t have to get in the way of you making a big difference in the lives of people who need plasma.

Your story, your art, and your plasma donations are all part of a bigger picture – one that brings hope and helps people feel better.

If you have more questions about how tattoos and piercings might impact your eligibility to donate plasma, reach out to your local BioLife plasma donation center.

Our team will be ready to respond with accurate, up-to-date information.