Short answer: almost always yes. Here's exactly when you can and can't.
If your tattoo was done at a state-licensed, regulated tattoo shop, you can donate plasma immediately at most centers — no waiting period. This applies to CSL Plasma, BioLife, Grifols, Octapharma, and every major plasma center in the US.
The only time you'll face a deferral is if your tattoo was done in one of the 11 states that don't regulate tattoo facilities, or if it was done at home, by a friend, or in any unregulated setting. In those cases, most centers require a 3-month waiting period from the date of the tattoo.
Tattoos involve needles that penetrate the skin, which creates a theoretical risk of bloodborne infections like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. The FDA has historically required deferral periods after tattoos to allow time for any infection to show up on screening tests.
However, modern FDA guidelines recognize that tattoos done in regulated, licensed facilities carry minimal risk. These shops are inspected, must use sterile single-use equipment, and follow strict hygiene protocols. That's why most states' tattoos no longer trigger any waiting period at all.
The concern is specifically around tattoos done in unregulated environments — home tattoos, prison tattoos, or shops in states without oversight — where sterility can't be guaranteed.
If you got your tattoo in one of these states or territories, expect a 3-month deferral period before you can donate plasma:
All other states regulate tattoo facilities, which means tattoos from licensed shops in those states carry no deferral period.
All major plasma centers follow the same FDA guidance, but there are minor differences in how they handle screening:
| Center | Regulated State Tattoo | Unregulated State Tattoo | Home/DIY Tattoo |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSL Plasma | No wait | 3-month wait | 3-month wait |
| BioLife Plasma | No wait | 3-month wait | 3-month wait |
| Grifols / Biomat | No wait | 3-month wait | 3-month wait |
| Octapharma | No wait | 3-month wait | 3-month wait |
During your first visit, the health questionnaire will ask about recent tattoos and piercings. Be honest — the staff will verify your state's regulation status and determine if a deferral applies.
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Piercings follow exactly the same rules as tattoos. If your piercing was done at a regulated facility in a regulated state, no waiting period. If it was done in an unregulated state or with non-sterile equipment, you'll face the same 3-month deferral.
This applies to all types of piercings including:
The one exception is ear lobe piercings done with a sterile, single-use piercing gun at a retail store (like Claire's). These are generally accepted immediately at most centers since the equipment is disposable and sterile.
Permanent makeup, microblading, and cosmetic tattooing are treated identically to standard tattoos by plasma centers. The same state regulation rules apply:
If you had microblading done at a licensed esthetician's office in a regulated state, you can donate immediately.
If your state isn't on the list of 11 unregulated states above, it regulates tattoo facilities. That means tattoos from licensed shops in your state carry no deferral.
However, even in regulated states, the tattoo must have been done at a licensed, inspected facility. If a friend tattooed you at home — even in a state like California that regulates shops — you'd still face a 3-month deferral because the actual procedure wasn't performed in a regulated setting.
DIY tattoos, stick-and-poke tattoos, prison tattoos, or any tattoo done outside of a licensed facility will trigger a 3-month deferral at every plasma center, regardless of what state you're in.
This is because the sterility of the equipment cannot be verified. The plasma center has no way to confirm that proper infection control was followed, so they err on the side of caution.
If you got a stick-and-poke from a friend more than 3 months ago, you should be eligible to donate. Just be honest during screening about when and where you got it.
Technically, if the tattoo was done at a regulated shop in a regulated state, there's no mandatory deferral. However, your tattoo should be in good condition — not actively bleeding, oozing, or showing signs of infection. If the needle insertion site on your arm (where the plasma needle goes) overlaps with a very new tattoo, the technician may choose a different arm or reschedule.
Most donors wait at least a few days after getting a tattoo simply for comfort. The tattoo healing process doesn't affect your plasma, but you want to be comfortable sitting in a donation chair for 45-60 minutes.
⚕️ Not medical advice. Eligibility varies by center and individual health. Contact your local plasma center directly to confirm their current tattoo and piercing policy before visiting.