How Clean Is Your Tattoo Studio?

[alex charles]

With the growth in popularity of tattooing, and the recent interest in
permanent makeup, concerns about safety, cleanliness, and sanitation
in tattoo shops has become increasingly important.
When trying to decide which tattoo studio to use, in addition to
choosing a talented tattoo artist and selecting a flattering design,
you also need to examine sanitation practices. Reputable tattoo
establishments will have special containers for disposable items that
come into contact with skin, bodily fluids, and blood. These
containers, primarily used to collect needles, should be clearly
marked with a biohazard warning and should have a closed lid.
Equally important are the sterilization procedures practiced by the
tattoo studio. The area inside the shop where tattoos are applied
should be equipped with a sink that has both hot and cold running
water. The area should also have disposable napkins or paper towels,
antibacterial hand cleanser, and trash bins with foot-controlled or
swing lids.
The tattoo artist should wash his/her hands before they begin
preparing a client's skin for the tattoo application and between
clients to prohibit cross contamination. Disposable gloves should be
used. The tattoo artist should ensure that they do not touch items
that could contribute to the transference of germs once they put on
the gloves. The tattoo artist should also ask the client if they are
allergic to latex.
Before the tattoo application process begins the artist should open a
new, sterile package of needles in front of the client. They should
also use new, unopened disposable instruments and supplies and fresh
unused ink from disposable ink caps. Ink caps should be disposed of
after each session with a client. Additionally any items that might be
touched during the application session should be covered in plastic to
prevent cross contamination. Items and equipment that can not be
placed into an autoclave for sterilization should be wiped down with a
disinfectant.
You may want to ask the tattoo artist if he/she belongs to any
professional organization like the American Tattooing Institute. You
should always ask if they are licensed by your state's health
department to apply tattoos. Also, ask if they have received training
in cross contamination or blood borne pathogens.
Depending on your state's guidelines tattoo artists may not be
required to attend any specialized training or obtain certification in
the United States. As such there are quite a few amateurs in the
business that use questionable procedures. It's very important that
you work with an artist that's recognized by the state and that has
attended some type of formalized training.
Before deciding on a particular tattoo studio it's recommended that
you spend time observing different establishments. Pay attention to
the procedures they follow when dealing with a customer. They should
have consistent standards that are followed regardless of the client.
Here are some items that should be noted during your observation
visits:




Does the artist wear gloves before beginning a tattoo session with a
client?


Does the artist remove their gloves if they pause the application
process to answer the telephone or leave the room? Does the artist put
on fresh gloves once they resume the application process?


Does the studio have an autoclave for sterilizing their multiple use
instruments? An autoclave is a stainless steel metal box that uses
disinfectants and intense heat to clean tools and instruments.


After items are removed from the autoclave are they removed by someone
wearing gloves? Are the items sealed after they're removed from the
autoclave.


Are new, sterile needles and tubing used for each client?


Are tattoo needles placed in biohazard or similarly labeled lidded
containers once they've been used?


Are surfaces wiped down after each application session with a client?


Does the artist dispose of leftover tattoo inks, razors, and creams
after they've been opened and used on a client?


Does the tattoo artist take precautions when disposing of cloths used
to wipe off bodily fluids that appear at the tattoo application site?


Does the artist frequently ask a client (during the application
process) about their level of pain?

If you visit a tattoo studio and have concerns about their sanitation
standards you may want to contact your local health department to see
if there are any outstanding claims or reports on file against them.
Follow these precautions to help ensure your tattoo application
process is as safe and uneventful as possible. When in doubt, ask
questions. If you're not satisfied with the answers, move on to a
different studio - there are lots of reputable tattoo studios
available to choose from!