LifeStream Eliminates Tattoo Deferral for Potential Blood Donors by Don Escalante - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

JULY
S M T W T F S
28 29 30 01 02 03 04
05 06 07 08 09 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31 01
View Events
Submit Events
directory

LifeStream Eliminates Tattoo Deferral for Potential Blood Donors

By Don Escalante, Community Writer
September 3, 2015 at 09:23am. Views: 189

LifeStream blood bank is altering its policy that currently defers potential blood donors with a tattoo for one year from the date of the most recent inking. The new policy took effect Monday, Aug. 31. “Since the 2012 implementation of the “Safe Body Art Act” in California, body art establishments are required to register with local enforcement agencies and meet strict criteria, including the use of sterile needles and non-reused ink,” said Joe Chaffin, M.D., vice president, chief medical officer for LifeStream. “This has made the process safe in the eyes of most California blood banks. We are delighted to be able to accept donations from blood donors who have had body art applied in California registered facilities. This will increase our pool of eligible donors, and most importantly, allow our donors freedom to express themselves through body art without losing their eligibility for blood donation.” For a potential donor to be eligible to give blood, tattoo(s) created in the previous 12 months must have been done at a professional licensed facility within the state of California. The procedure must be performed with sterile instruments and unused ink (packages that should have been opened in front of customers, contents used one time, and the disposed of.) Such establishments also should have posted or produce to customers a valid license to practice issued by the State of California. To give blood, the area(s) most recently tattooed must be fully healed from the procedure; the potential donor also must satisfy all other screening and physical requirements set forth by the FDA. Members of the public whose donation status may be affected by the new policy are invited to contact LifeStream at 800-879-4484 and press “1” for more information, or visit any LifeStream location to discuss their individual case with LifeStream staff.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group AI Generated Image

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 07:59am. Views: 232

California ballot drop box symbolize the upcoming municipal election and opportunities for residents to participate in local government. The election provides an opportunity for community members to help guide decisions affecting neighborhood improvements, economic development, and city services for years to come.

Photo Courtesy of: City of Anaheim Storm Drain & Sewer Maintenance

By William Cortez, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 07:59am. Views: 196

Storm drain infrastructure helps manage rainwater and reduce flooding in residential neighborhoods. Recent planning efforts have focused on identifying long-term improvements that can better manage stormwater, reduce localized flooding, and support future development throughout the city.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group AI Generated Image

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 07:59am. Views: 209

Mom and daughter help cleanup their community. Residents regularly work alongside city staff, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses to support programs that improve parks, beautify public spaces, and bring neighbors together.

Photo Courtesy of: AI Generated Image Greated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 08:00am. Views: 211

The iconic California Theatre glows in downtown San Bernardino as visitors arrive for an evening performance, highlighting the historic venue's continuing role as a centerpiece for arts, culture, and community events.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By William Cortez, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 08:00am. Views: 212

Volunteers of all ages work together in a San Bernardino community garden, planting fresh vegetables and flowers while promoting healthy living, environmental stewardship, and stronger neighborhood connections.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By William Cortez, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 08:00am. Views: 262

A classic Route 66 scene celebrates San Bernardino's place along the historic highway, where vintage Americana, local businesses, and community pride continue to welcome travelers from around the world.

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 08:00am. Views: 255

Welcome to the celebration! Parade volunteers proudly welcomed the community to Moreno Valley's 4th of July Parade celebrating 250 Years of Freedom.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group AI Generated Image

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 08:00am. Views: 237

City crews and firefighters inspect vegetation management efforts designed to reduce wildfire risks around neighborhoods.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By William Cortez, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 08:00am. Views: 274

Children and parents enjoy trampoline attractions, climbing areas, and interactive games inside a modern indoor family entertainment center.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 08:00am. Views: 112

A family prepares emergency supplies and evacuation essentials as part of a wildfire readiness plan. Inland Empire wildfire, CAL FIRE, Riverside County Fire, San Bernardino County Fire, emergency preparedness, wildfire prevention, Inland Empire news, California fire season

Photo Courtesy of: City News group AI generated Image ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 655

A California Highway Patrol officer monitors traffic as drivers travel along a busy Inland Empire freeway.

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.instagram.com/reel

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 1080

A member of the Jessie Combs Foundation team performs maintenance under the hood of a vintage Chevrolet Blazer during the 2026 Hemmings Great Race, showcasing the mechanical skill and teamwork required to keep historic vehicles running throughout the cross-country rally.

--> -->