How long after a tattoo can I donate blood in United States?
The American Red Cross says to wait 3 months after a tattoo if it was applied in a state that does not regulate tattoo facilities. Its own page decides.
Write to me if this rule changes
- Blood service
- American Red Cross
- Waiting period after a tattoo
- 3 months if the tattoo was applied in a state that does not regulate tattoo facilities
- Condition stated
- The Red Cross lists the states that do not regulate tattoo facilities as: District of Columbia, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania and Wyoming.
- Waiting period after a piercing
- 3 months if the piercing used a reusable gun or any reusable instrument, or if it is unclear whether the instruments were single-use
- Source
- American Red Cross, eligibility criteria A to Z, read November 5, 2026.
What this page does not cover
It states what the blood service's page says on the date it was read. It does not cover other rules a donation centre may apply, a change made since that date, or any individual case. The blood service's own page and the donation centre decide.
Get an email if this rule changes
Leave your email and we will write to you if the rule for this country changes. Nothing else.