Blood
Borne Pathogens and Bacteria: What are they and what do they mean for your new
tattoo?
One of
the many aspects of getting a new tattoo that is over looked by many is the
need for a clean and sterile environment. In today's world we have seen a rapid
increase of pop-up tattoo parlors and an increase in home tattoos. Sadly, this
has been over looked for far too long. The biggest issue here is blood borne
pathogens and a clean sterile environment where the tattoo is being performed.
So, what
exactly is a blood borne pathogen? A blood borne pathogen is infectious microorganisms in human blood that
cause disease. Some examples of these diseases are but not limited to hepatitis
B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Having a proper
field preforming tattoos is crucial to preventing the spread of these diseases.
Aside from
blood borne pathogens there is also a risk from bacteria causing infections such
as staph or MRSA (a staph super bug)
How are
these contracted you might wonder? They are due to cross contamination that
occurs around an open cut, wound or abrasions. What’s cross contamination? It’s process by which bacteria or other
microorganisms are unintentionally transferred from one substance or object to
another, with harmful effect. Meaning this can occur from not washing your
hands properly, and having uncovered and un-sterilized equipment being used to
preform a medical procedure, a piercing or even a tattoo.
That’s why pop up
shops and kitchen tattoos with no knowledge of blood borne pathogens or bacteria
aren’t just unethical it’s deadly. In order to protect yourself it is crucial
that you do your research! Find an established studio, take a look around and see
for yourself!
Here at Lucky Bamboo
Tattoo we cover EVERYTHING that the artist could touch during an appointment.
Everything is wiped down and disinfected prior to setting up with sterile
single use items. Such as drape sheets, pillow cases, bottle bags, clip cord
sleeves etc.
Artists are required by the health department to be blood borne
certified. Which means they are trained to know how to prevent cross
contamination to protect the client. These precautions shouldn’t stop here in
the studio. After your appointment we send you with a sterile bandage that is
designed to keep your tattoo safe and clean during the crucial phases of the
healing process. Any new tattoo should be handled with care. Wash your hands
before switching out or removing your bandage. If your unsure of what to do you
should contact the studio/artist and follow their directions.
We can not stress
enough the importance of not doing home tattoos and to do your research!
