People with new tattoos and body piercings, as well as some cancer survivors, may now be eligible to donate blood in Hawaii, Blood Bank of Hawaii officials announced this week. They said thanks to changes in medical research and technology, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration determined these new requirements to be safe for both donors and patients. These changes will help expand the population’s donor pool and better meet hospitals’ needs.
One of the biggest changes in donor eligibility is for those with previous health issues. New medical research has shown that cancer is not spread through blood transfusion. This means that cancer survivors, other than blood or bone marrow types — leukemia and lymphoma, who have completed treatment, and have been cancer-free for one year or more, are now eligible to donate blood. In addition, those with autoimmune disorders, who have had a stroke, or have lung and heart conditions, once considered permanent deferrals are also eligible as long as no symptoms are present at the time of donation.
Another highlight of the new eligibility changes is the elimination of temporary deferrals such as a waiting period for tattoos and piercings. The recently tattooed can now donate as long as the process was performed at a state regulated tattoo shop; piercings need to have been performed using a sterile procedure or gun method with new jewelry.
For eligibility information and changes, visit bbh.org. Individuals currently deferred who think they may be eligible under the new criteria may call 848-4745 for more information regarding an eligibility review.