TATTOO NEWS - Updated criteria may prevent deferral

Donors who have had tattoos or permanent make-up applied by a state regulated entity with sterile needles and non re-used ink may be eligible to donate.

Donors who have had a tattoo or permanent make-up may donate if it was performed by a licensed tattoo artist in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, or other state as listed below.

The site must be clean, dry, and pain-free or the donor is deferred until the site is healed.

If the tattoo or permanent make-up was not applied by a licensed artist, donors are deferred for 12 months from the date of the application.

STATES ACCEPTABLE FOR TATTOOS

Alabama
Alaska (for tattoos applied after 12/2003)                          Arizona 
Arkansas
Colorado (for tattoos applied after 8/2003)
Delaware (for tattoos applied after 1/2003)
Hawaii
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine                                                                         Maryland                                                                      Michigan (for tattoos applied after 1/2009)
Mississippi
Montana
New Hampshire
New Jersey (for tattoos applied after 2/2003)
North Carolina
Ohio
Oregon
Rhode Island                                                                    South Carolina (for tattoos applied after 5/2008)
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Massachusetts
   Attleboro (includes South but NOT North Attleboro)
   Boston
   Fall River
   New Bedford
   Swansea
   Seekonk
   Taunton
   Uxbridge
 
Also, donors who have had ear or body piercing using sterile techniques are acceptable. Otherwise, they are deferred 12 months.

For more information regarding medications, immunizations, or other medical related questions, please call Hoxworth's Donor Services at (513) 558-1304 or (800) 265-1515.

Updated 1/27/09