Tattoo: Safety Advice :

With the advent of many communicable diseases, some fatal, it has become necessary to institute certain isolation and sterilization procedures in the tattoo process to assure the public of a safe, risk-free tattoo. Professional tattooists working with local, state, and national health authorities have prepared the following advice.

1. Always insist that you see your tattooist remove a new needle and tube set-up from a sealed envelope immediately prior to your tattoo.

2. Be certain you see your tattooist pour a new ink supply into a new disposable container.

3. Make sure your artist puts on a new pair of disposable gloves before setting up tubes, needles, and ink supplies.

4. Satisfy yourself that the shop furnishings and tattooist are clean and orderly in appearance; much like a medical facility.

5. Feel free to question the tattooist as to any of his sterile procedures and isolation techniques.

6. Take time to observe them at work and do not hesitate to inquire about their experience and qualifications in the tattoo field.

7. If the tattooist is a qualified professional, they will have no problem complying with standards above and beyond these simple guidelines.

8. If the tattooist or studio does not appear up to these standards or if they become evasive when questioned, seek out a professional tattooist.