Blood Borne Pathogens and Bacteria: What are they and what do they mean for your new tattoo?

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!