LifeStream Eliminates Tattoo Deferral for Potential Blood Donors by Don Escalante - City News Group, Inc.

Community Calendar

◄ JUNE ►
S M T W T F S
31 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 01 02 03 04
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: 172

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

Free Summer Meals Program for Children
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group Ai Generated Image

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

June 10, 2026 at 03:10pm. Views: 552

Children and families can access free summer lunches at multiple locations throughout San Bernardino as part of the San Bernardino City Unified School District's Summer Meals 2026 program.

Lutheran Social Services Announces Opening of San Bernardino Community Wellness Center
Photo Courtesy of: Lutheran Social Services of Southern Calif.

By Barbara Kimler , Contributing Writer

June 3, 2026 at 12:04pm. Views: 863

The new $34.9 million Community Wellness Center in San Bernardino.

A Night of Freedom, Community, and Music
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

June 10, 2026 at 03:10pm. Views: 534

Join us at the Civic Center Amphitheater on Friday, June 19, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. for a free celebration featuring delicious food, great musical acts, fun, and games for the entire family!

The Teen S.P.O.T.: Your Innovation Station
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By William Cortez, Community Writer

June 10, 2026 at 03:10pm. Views: 358

Teen STEAM Camp held in partnership with Kids That Code! This program provides campers with an overview of essential technology subjects through hands-on project building.

Freedom is Even Better with Free Microchips
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

June 10, 2026 at 03:10pm. Views: 456

Moreno Valley residents can get their pets microchipped for FREE at the Moreno Valley Animal Shelter — helping lost pets reunite with their families faster and at little to no cost.

Pet of the Week: Justin
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By William Cortez, Community Writer

June 10, 2026 at 03:10pm. Views: 468

Justin. A one-year-old, male Siberian Husky-Akita mix.

SBCUSD HONORS LOCAL CAR CLUBS

Photo Courtesy of: San Bernardino County Unified School District

By William Cortez, Community Writer

June 10, 2026 at 03:10pm. Views: 510

San Bernardino City Unified School District Superintendent Mauricio Arellano rides in a classic Chevy Impala during the 2026 Black History Parade. The Impala was provided and driven by a member of the Them Foolz car club.

Athlete of the Week: Kobee Finniki
Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

June 10, 2026 at 03:10pm. Views: 616

Kobee Finnikin, a recent Corona High School graduate and California Baptist University baseball commit, has earned Athlete of the Week honors after an outstanding high school career highlighted by academic success, athletic excellence, and numerous accolades on the baseball field.

Dignity Health Highlights Water Safety as Summer Approaches
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group AI generated Image

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

June 10, 2026 at 03:10pm. Views: 421

Families enjoy a day at the water while following important safety guidelines such as adult supervision, swimming near lifeguards, and using approved flotation devices.

Colton City Council Recognizes 16 Outstanding Teachers
Photo Courtesy of: Dr.G (Dr. Luis S. González)

By Dr.G (Dr. Luis S. González), Community Writer

June 10, 2026 at 03:10pm. Views: 449

Sixteen outstanding local teachers who were recognized by Colton City Council June 2, 2026

Inland Empire High School Students Are Eligible for CalKIDS Scholarships

Photo Courtesy of: CalKIDS

By Justus Baker-Postell, Community Writer

June 10, 2026 at 03:10pm. Views: 554

Students learn more about CalKIDS Scholarships at Cal Expo & State Fair

Jonathan Beauregard Honored with Black Rose Award
Photo Courtesy of: Jonathan Beauregard

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

June 10, 2026 at 03:11pm. Views: 504

PHOTO CAPTION: “When I learned I had been selected, I felt deeply honored to be part of such a meaningful and lasting legacy. To be recognized as a Black Rose Award recipient is an honor I will carry with me for a lifetime,” said Black Rose Award winner Jonathan Beauregard.

--> -->