Tattoos are seen as a high danger procedure. This is because they involve the piercing of the skin and the procedure is done outside of a medical office.

Safety Regulations

State Regulations vary but they all cover the same basic points. One of the main areas of risk in tattooing is infection through instruments or needles not properly sterilized. All states have regulations around licenced businesses using new and sterilized equipment. If you see a tattooist or piercing specialist attempt to re-use needles, refuse the service, leave the premises and report them to your state’s Health Authority.

Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions and medications can make it dangerous to get a tattoo. These include, but are not limited to, conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy, HIV, hemophilia, hepatitis and epilepsy. Some medications can thin your blood and this information is crucial for the tattoo artist to know.

What procedures should be followed to reduce the risk of infection?

• All businesses should have correct disposal procudures, such as sharps boxes, for needles and other equipment that pierces the skin.
• Tattooing staff should wash their hands in accordance to health standards, with warm water and an approved type of soap.
• Disposable gloves should be worn during every procedure. If a procedure is interrupted then the hands should be re-washed and new gloves applied.
• All equipment that is designed for single use should be removed from its sterilized packaging in-front of the client.
• All equipment designed for multiple use should be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized after each client. This includes equipment such as tattoo guns and chairs.
• Creams and gels should be applied from a single use container and not from a general decanter. This helps avoid cross contamination.
• Neither the artist or the customer should eat, drink, smoke or have contact with animals during the procedure.

When shouldn’t a tattoo be applied?

• To a person under the age of 18 years.
• To a person under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• If the tattooist has a wound that can’t be fully covered by bandages.
• If the person has an unhealed wound on the area they wish to have the tattoo applied to.
• If the customer hasn’t disclosed all medical conditions and current medications. This is very important for safety.

Safety procedures have improved dramatically over the years and infections from tattoos are now fairly rare. If you are a blood donor you need to declare recent tattoos before giving blood. Some infections can take place during the healing period and all hygiene processes need to be closely followed during this time.