Myth busting

Great, show us!

You can go from the tattoo parlour to the donor centre to give plasma if you want. Or you can just wait seven days to give blood.

Come on. We know needles don’t faze you.

Want to know more about tattoos and blood donation?

Find out how blood makes your ink stick

It really depends where you’ve been.

The best thing you can do is donate before you go. Then check your destination in our travel eligibility quiz or ask our Jamie, our chatbot in the bottom right of your screen, to see when you can give again.

We can’t wait to hear all about your jet-setting lifestyle!

Psst! If you lived in the UK, that’s fine with us. We changed the rules a few years ago. If you lived in the United Kingdom for a total of six months or more between 1980 and 1986…no big deal.

Except that it is. Because all our donors are a big deal.

Check your travel destination

How do travel vaccinations affect donation?

What changed for people from the UK?

It depends.

First and foremost, you’ll need to have no side effects.

If you take blood pressure medication and your blood pressure is under control, you’re good to donate.

The pill, PrEP, antidepressants or weight loss medications? All good with us.

Read more about blood pressure medication and blood donation

Find out about another medication

Great, you’re welcome here.

The rules around sexual activity and blood donation have recently changed. Now, more Australians can change lives.

Previous rules meant many gay and bisexual men and some transgender people couldn’t donate.

Well, now they can. Gay and bisexual men and more trans people can now give blood or plasma.

Read more about the rule change

Read more about the LGBTQIA+ blood donor community

You’re welcome here.

There might be some other rules that apply to you, including our rules around sexual activity.

Your hormones also affect how we interpret some of your tests, including the haemoglobin finger prick test.

Read about the sexual activity rule change

What other things can affect you?

No worries.

As long as you’re otherwise well, you can donate blood. Just avoid vaping for half an hour after to help you recover.

You can donate.

Being on your period doesn’t stop you donating. As someone who menstruates, you should be extra careful about your iron levels. We recommend a course of oral iron supplements after.

Read about our iron recommendation

Don’t be so sure.

There are more than 1,700 donors giving life in their 80s. Surprised?

As long as you make your first donation before you turn 76, you can keep donating.

What better way to use your spare time? Donating blood helps you stay on top of your health, stay connected, and give back to the community.

Find out more about age and donation

Learn more about age-related misconceptions