Plasma is a component of blood, taking up nearly 55% of blood. It is an amber-colored or pale liquid component of blood. Plasma does not contain blood cells rather is composed of protein and other micronutrients. Now the Question is Can You Donate Plasma If You Have Tattoos?
Patients suffering from burn trauma, shock, or other serious liver diseases may require plasma donation. By plasma addition, blood volume is boosted and overall circulation along with immunity is seen to improve.
You can donate plasma if you have a tattoos the only requirement is that the tattoo must not be fresh. Plasma donation is a crucial process and is accompanied by a set of rules. The rules may vary with slight modification state-wise but remain the same overall. You need to check all the following rules to be eligible for plasma donation.
Plasma donation rules:
1) Plasma donor must be above 18years of age and under 65 years
2) The minimum weight requirement is 50kgs or 110lbs.
3) Must test negative for any kind of transmissible disease like HIV.
4) Should not be a cancer patient or survivor.
5) Complete and pass all the required medical examinations/ screening.
6) Must be a healthy individual with a minimum intake of 50-80gms of protein daily
If you have ticked all the above then you are partially eligible for plasma donation. Whereas you need to check the following list of things that makes a person ineligible for plasma donation before proceeding.
Things making a person ineligible for plasma donation:
1) Women who are pregnant or had a baby less than 6 months ago
2) A person who has a fresh tattoo, i.e. a tattoo which is less than 12 months old.
3) If you suffer from any particular chronic disease related to kidney/ liver/ lungs/ heart.
4) You are a cancer survivor.
5) Suffer from uncontrolled diabetes and are on medication
6) Had a recent surgery.
To be eligible for plasma donation all the criteria must be crossed.
Any person who has a tattoo that is older than a year or 12 months may hence donate plasma successfully without any difficulty.
Why is it advised to wait to donate blood/plasma after having a fresh tattoo?
It is advised not to donate plasma if you had a tattoo in the past 12months of your life because this time is required by the body for healing after getting inked. Also it is essential to avoid any kind of infection transfer such as HIV or hepatitis-related concerns. Hence, the common myth that you cannot donate blood/ plasma if you have a tattoo is busted! You can donate plasma as well as blood if you have a tattoo. You just need to make sure the needle is sterile and neither the ink nor the needle is reused. Also, wait 6-12 months and let the tattoo heal completely. After which you are perfectly fit for donation as long as no infection is persisted in your body.
What are plasma donation types?
Donation may be-
- Voluntary unpaid – Donating to a known/ unknown person according to your will as an act of goodness without charging money.
- To family/ friend/ acquaintance – Donating to a friend or a family member as per the requirement.
- Paid- Donating plasma/ blood to a blood bank/ hospital or having a contract with them for the same and charging money for a set amount.
What are the important points to keep in mind before donating plasma?
- Drink enough water or juice to be hydrated.
- Inform the center if you have had recent surgery.
- Make a list of medications you are currently taking and give it to the center
- Have a fruit after donation
Conclusion
So, it is concluded that a person with a tattoos is eligible for plasma donation if the tattoo is a year old and persists with no infection of any kind on the body and that it has healed completely from the outer surface and inner surface. Only an individual with a fresh/new tattoo or modifications is ineligible for plasma donation.
Frequently asked questions-
1)How long an individual has to wait after getting a tattoo to donate plasma or blood?
Recent tattoos affect the eligibility of a person to donate. It is advised to wait for 6 to 12 months before donation.
2)How frequently can a person donate plasma?
Plasma donors may donate plasma as often as every 28 days. Whereas donating whole blood requires you to wait for at least 84 days after donating blood once.
3)Can I donate blood if I am under the care of a dentist or a doctor?
A person might be eligible to donate plasma/ blood even after being under the care of a dentist or a doctor depending upon the condition he/she has. Although routine cleaning or checkups won’t affect your donation practice.
4)Can a person with a cold or flu donate blood?
No, if you have any such infection you are not eligible for a donation of blood/ plasma. For a donation, you must be symptom-free.
