Tattooed persons eligible to donate blood after six-month wait period

People with tattoos remain eligible to donate blood after a six-month waiting period, a blood donor recruiter has clarified. Ms Rita Justine Menorkpor said the waiting period allowed blood screening equipment to detect infections or diseases that might have been transmitted through instruments used during tattooing. She made the clarification in Accra when addressing misconceptions about blood donation. Ms Menorkpor explained that tattooing involved needles and other instruments that came into contact with blood, making proper sterilisation and hygiene essential to prevent bloodborne infections. She said that some infections might not be detected immediately after exposure, making the waiting period an additional safety measure before donation. Ms Menorkpor urged people with tattoos not to be discouraged from donating blood, stressing that having a tattoo alone did not automatically disqualify anyone. She advised those seeking tattoos to patronise licensed facilities that followed approved health and safety standards, noting that such facilities were more likely to use sterile equipment and reduce risks of infection. Ms Menorkpor encouraged eligible donors to come forward after the required waiting period, saying every safe blood donation could help save lives. GNA