Lifeblood Implements Rule Change, Reducing Wait Time for Blood Donations from Recently Tattooed Australians from Four Months to One Week

Lifeblood, the Australian blood service, has announced a significant rule change regarding blood donations from individuals with tattoos. Previously, Australians had to wait four months after getting a new tattoo before being eligible to donate blood. However, under the new policy, individuals can now donate blood just one week after getting inked, but there are certain conditions. This revision applies only to tattoos done in licensed Australian tattoo parlors and cosmetic clinics. Those who get tattoos overseas or in unlicensed premises within Australia will still need to adhere to the four-month waiting period.

The rule change is expected to have a positive impact on blood donation rates, potentially leading to around 10,000 additional donations annually, according to Lifeblood estimates. Cath Stone, the Executive Director of Donor Experience at Lifeblood, expressed delight about the revised policy, stating that thousands of tattooed donors who previously had to wait four months can now contribute to the blood supply sooner. Donors who have recently received a tattoo can also donate plasma immediately, without any waiting period.

Lifeblood’s decision to update the rule came after collaborating with the Kirby Institute at the University of New South Wales to conduct a study on tattooed blood donors. The study concluded that individuals with tattoos from licensed Australian tattoo parlors and cosmetic clinics are suitable to donate blood. Additionally, Lifeblood conducted a survey revealing that 15 percent of Australians mistakenly believed that having a tattoo made them ineligible to donate blood. Lifeblood aims to dispel this misconception and encourage more tattooed individuals to become donors, emphasizing that tattooed individuals make ideal donors due to their familiarity with needles.

It’s important to note that this rule change only applies to blood donations, as a previous revision made two years ago allowed tattooed Australians to donate plasma immediately after getting a new tattoo. Cath Stone emphasized the evidence gathered over the past two years, supporting the safety of this policy change.