Tattoos, piercings & Blood donation

After a piercing and/or tattoo, you previously had to wait 4 full months before being able to donate blood.

This is no longer the case since September 1, 2025! You can now donate blood as early as 2 months after a piercing or tattoo, announces the Etablissement Français du Sang :)

"This evolution is made possible thanks to the improvement of viral genomic screening tests (DGV). This type of test directly searches for the presence of genetic material from certain viruses (such as hepatitis C), long before the appearance of detectable antibodies by conventional tests.

Result: faster detection, a shorter risk period, and therefore reduced waiting times without compromising safety."

The EFS also reminds that it is possible to donate blood every eight weeks, up to four times a year for women and six for men. Currently, less than 4% of French people donate blood at least once a year, tattooed, pierced or not :)