How often do you donate blood?

[Inknsteel]

I'm in the same spot as Cinderbird. I get tattooed as often as I can, which is usually once a year or more, so by that rule alone, I'm always ineligible to donate.

[llovelace]

I have been donating since I was 16, became a member of the gallon club (pretty cool key fob). I scar easily so I make them take from my left arm (it's all pocked from the needles)

[Nimitz87]

I donate as often as I can, and just started donating platelets which is quite long...

Chad

[Christina]

I wish I could! I did once, and they tested my blood and it falsely tested positive for HIV. They said something about having HIV anti-bodies, so that's what made it come up positive. I don't really know how that works. Then I found out that I'm anemic, so no more donating for me...

[jfreels]

I donate as often as I can, and just started donating platelets which is quite long...

Chad

They were testing me on a new machine about two years back. Called Audry or something like that. It could do a platelet donation and a whole blood donation in 45 minutes. I hope they take off. It makes you super cold though....much colder than a normal platelet donation.

[ed4281]

You don't have to tell them the truth. People with AIDS knowingly give blood. If your blood is not viable, their tests will determine that and they will call you and ask you not to donate anymore. There's a reason why they take many samples

I am in the same boat as cinder bird, I have tats and another discriminating reason . I also just can’t bring myself to lie, however I would if I could. I am an organ donor though. Funny how they don't ask about your personal life for that.

[SnakesNStangss22]

I have tatts as well, but I donate every chance I can since I have a rare blood type. As long as the tat is done in the state of Ohio I can donate. Don't have to wait year...

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[Jay_Bunny]

At least in my area as long as you get your tattoo or piercing in a clean parlor that uses disposable tools you can donate.

[Inknsteel]

Yeah, I just looked into it and the current rule regarding tattoos:

"Acceptable if the tattoo was applied by a state-regulated entity using sterile needles and ink that is not reused. There are 32 states that currently regulate tattoo facilities. You should discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation."

This has changed since the last time I tried to donate. When I did, I was refused on the spot for having a tattoo less than a year old. It didn't matter if the shop was certified or not.

With that info, I think I will look into donation centers around here. I just hadn't ever looked into it again after being flat-out denied because of my tattoos and piercings. Guess times (and stereotypes surrounding tattoos and piercings) really are changing...

[cinderbird]

I have tatts as well, but I donate every chance I can since I have a rare blood type. As long as the tat is done in the state of Ohio I can donate. Don't have to wait year...

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Thats really interesting.

Where i lived before i moved to MD (upstate NY) they would not accept that. I'd even gone in to talk to the vamps they told me 6 months after being tattooed or pierced i'd be eligible to donate.

Too bad i keep getting pierced, tattooed or touched up. :/