Can I donate after a piercing at a licensed facility?
What this means
- Single-use equipment at a regulated shop: usually no wait.
- Reusable equipment, such as some piercing guns: about a three-month wait.
- Ask your piercer what equipment they used if you are not sure.
What to do next
If single-use equipment was used, you may be able to donate now. Otherwise wait three months.
When to call the center: Call if you are unsure about the equipment used.
If you need to wait
No wait with single-use equipment. About three months with reusable equipment.
Exact timing is confirmed by the center. Set a reminder so you do not have to track it.
Set a return reminderWhy this rule exists
Single-use equipment removes the infection risk that drives the wait.
This is general educational guidance, not a final eligibility decision. Donation centers make final eligibility decisions during confidential screening. Rules may vary by center, donation type, location, and current policy.
Were you already turned away for this reason? See the comeback plan
Find a place to donate
Search by city, ZIP, state, or center name, or use your location to see the closest centers.
Related questions
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Read the full pledgeSources and review
The guidance on this page reflects published criteria from these organizations. Eligibility and procedures vary by center and country, so confirm specifics with your donation center.
- American Red Cross
- AABB (Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Blood Donation
- Canadian Blood Services
- Last reviewed:
- Next review due:
- Reviewed by:
- Reviewed against American Red Cross, AABB, and U.S. FDA donor guidance
- Confidence:
- High confidence