No increased risk of transfusion-transmissible infections after tattooing, body piercing, or acupuncture among blood donors in the Netherlands.

Recent tattoos, body piercings, or acupuncture were not associated with an increased risk for TTIs in Dutch donors. Given the lower return rates of donors following a temporary NRE-based deferral, we advocate ending blood donor deferral policies for acupuncture, tattooing, and body piercings, but not needle-stick injuries, in countries where these practices can be considered safe.