Is getting a tatoo safe?

Question

like do they sanatize the needle and stuff?

Answer 1

Most places are very good about properly sanitizing their equipment. It's always best to watch them put together the machine, make sure they get a new needle out that was in a sanitized wrapping. Also, most of them will wear gloves and clean up their station before your body part touches it.

Don't be afraid to ask what measures they have taken to make sure everything is clean and sterile. If they refuse to answer or the answer is sketchy then just walk out the door and try another place.

Answer 2

If you go to a reputable and professional shop, all supplies should be either brand new or completely sterile in individual packaging that is opened in front of you. At no point should you see them reuse needles, razors, ink cups, paper towels or anything else and all things used should be properly disposed, often this is done for you to see.

Go to http://www.safe-tattoos.com/ to check out the shop and also talk with people about where they went and if they had any odd problems. Generally, if you see unsafe behavior, you can report that to the local Better Business Bureaus and health regulators.

Most people getting hep. c get it because they go to someone who isn't 110% careful about what is going on. Tattoos are safe when you go to the right people and are aware of your surroundings.

Answer 3

They always sterilize the needle before use-it's mandatory. It's completely safe as long as the tattoo parlor is clean and the artist knows what they're doing. Do your research-go online, find out where the places are and go see them. If there's anything (even if you can't put your finger on it) that doesn't feel right-don't do it! My friend didn't check out a place before going to get a tattoo done, and the needle they used wasn't fully cleaned and was used on someone with a totally different blood type and she got very ill. Luckily the tattoo was small, and she didn't die, but the parlor got shut down because of it. DO THE RESEARCH!!!

Answer 4

The place where I go is very, very strict about how clean they are. The first time you go they explain everything to you. Every time you go in they open the tools in front of you and pour the ink into the little cups. I don't know about other places but this place uses an autoclave to clean their tools. They also display their awards and their licenses on the wall. All their artists go through an extensive training and must have a tattoo license.

Just make sure to check them out and get references if possible.

Answer 5

all tattoo shops are different. your tattoo artist should remove the brand new needles from a sterile package in front of you. they should also remove their tubes from a sterile package as well. (the "tube" is a silver tube with an oval rubber thing that they hold while tattooing) they should also put the ink in little caps so the ink is yours only. they should definitely wear gloves and spray down everything with cleaning solution before and after the tattoo. not all shops do this i'm sure but most do.

Answer 6

If you get it done somewhere more professional, there should be no problems. However, I would not get a tattoo, and I have three reasons why. First, when you grow old, do you think it will be cool to have your wrinkly skin all colored up with a tattoo from when you were young and stupid? Don't think so. Second, it is against the Bible. The Lord states that our body is a temple of God. In other words, don't defile it by having something needled into your skin. Third, I am sure it hurts a lot, and if you skin is sensitive to scarring, such as mine is, you will not only be left with a tattoo, but a lovely scar to match. Please don't consider my words harsh, but I only want what's best for you (by the way, I am not old...I am 25, so I am pretty young to be saying these things to you.) God bless.

Answer 7

Make sure they are properly licensed. Ask them about their procedures. All tattoos should be done w/a new needle straight out of the packaging. If you have any inked friends, ask for their recommendations.

Answer 8

yes, it is safe. If you are thinking of getting one...you need to do more homework on procedure and safety issues surrounding it however. Like a doctor injection, all needles should be new - not sanitized.

Answer 9

it depends on the state I think. to be sure, ask to see their certification from the Health Board.

any GOOD shop will open up a sealed package containing the needle in front of you...as well as mix the ink in cups in front of you, indicating that they are using new materials.

Answer 10

Like others have said...it all depends WHERE you go...WHO is the artist...and if the shop is a reputable tattooing studio....

I HIGHLY recommend you take a look at this site...

you read this

Basic Guidelines for Getting a Tattoo

The last ten years have seen an educational renaissance within the tattoo industry. Artists have become increasingly aware of the potential risks associated with bloodborne pathogens and have taken steps to protect their clients and themselves. With just a little education and some research, you can assure yourself of a safe, professional tattoo.


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Will I get HIV or AIDS?

~ HIV is a very delicate virus and does not survive long outside the human body. Nor is it spread through casual contact. Generally, the virus is only transmitted when sufficient quantities of highly infected blood are introduced into the body of another. The structure of tattoo needles does not lend itself to HIV transmission. According to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, there has never been a case of HIV transmission from tattooing in the United States. Cases outside the US were not positively attributed to tattooing because all reported cases also fit the profile of a "high risk" lifestyle.


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What about Hepatitis?

~ The disease to consider when getting tattooed is hepatitis. Hepatitis, unlike HIV, is a very hardy virus that can survive long periods outside the human body and can be transmitted through little more than a scratch with an infected needle. To combat this and any other infectious bloodborne pathogen, artists autoclave their single service equipment, use individual portions of ink and lubricant, dispose of used sharps according to OSHA guidelines, use EPA registered virucidals to clean their stations between clients, and use barrier protection. These procedures are called Standard Precautions. Basically, the artist must treat everyone (including themselves) as though they were infectious. That way, everyone is protected and the potential for infection is reduced to next to nothing.


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How should I pick an artist?

~ APT admits artists based on their desire to educate themselves in safe tattoo procedure rather than artistic merit. For that reason, we do not recommend specific artists. Not to mention, there are a number of excellent artists who, for whatever reason, have not joined APT. While we would like you to patronize one of our artists, it would be a shame to pass up an excellent artist simply because they did not belong to our organization. You can still assure yourself that you are in good hands by following a few simple guidelines.

Your concerns are twofold. You need to find an artist whose work you like, who will work on you safely. Ask people where they got tattooed, especially if you really like the work you see. Ask to see photographs of the artist's work. Most often, the pictures will have been taken right after the work was completed, so redness and swelling are common. In spite of that, there are things you can learn. Are the lines clean and smooth or broken and jagged? Do they meet up? Does the artist work in the style you are looking for? Taking time to check out a few artists and shops will ensure that you are happy with your results.

At the shop

~ Make sure the shop is neat and clean. What you see in the front room is a pretty good indication of what you will see elsewhere in the shop. Ask questions about the shop's safety procedures. What are they doing to ensure your health and well-being? The personnel should be willing and able to answer you questions. If you feel they are brushing your concerns aside or can't answer you, leave and seek out a *professional* shop.


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What is single service equipment?

~ All equipment should be single service. This means that each needle and tube set is individually packaged, dated and sealed and autoclaved. The artist should open a fresh set of needles and tubes in front of you. Any ointments, pigments, needles, gloves, razors, plastic trays or containers used in applying your new tattoo are discarded after use. After the tattoo application, the artist will disinfect the work area with an EPA approved virucidal that will kill any surface bacteria or viruses.


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What is an autoclave?

~ An autoclave is the only acceptable means of equipment sterilization in the tattoo shop. It is a machine that uses a combination of heat, steam and pressure to kill all pathogenic microorganisms known to man. If the shop does not use an autoclave, do not get tattooed there. Shops should keep regular records of their autoclave use and testing. Ask to see them if you feel uncertain.


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Why does the artist wear gloves?

~ Your artist should be wearing gloves any time they are touching broken skin and should change their gloves regularly. This protects both you and the artist from any bloodborne pathogens that may be present.


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This is my first tattoo.....What should I expect?

~Getting your first tattoo can be a very exciting experience and being prepared for what to expect can keep it fun. First, you should be well rested and well fed. If you are tired, or your blood sugar is low, you may experience a higher level of discomfort than you normally would. Drinking alcohol before getting tattooed is always a bad idea. Not only do you become dehydrated, it will also cause you to bleed more and consequently have a negative effect on your new tattoo.

There will be blood. The amount varies from person to person, but usually it is about what you would expect from a scraped knee or rug burn. The level of pain also varies from person to person, but most people don't find it unbearable. The best thing to do is just accept the discomfort and relax. Fighting or tensing will only increase your discomfort.

If you start to feel faint or a little "green," tell your artist right away instead of toughing it out. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking a break. Your artist is prepared for this sort of thing and knows how to handle it.

If you need to change position or stretch, go to the bathroom, sneeze or wiggle for any reason, let your artist know BEFORE you do it.

Your new tattoo will get a patch of shiny skin over it or it may scab over. Leave the scab alone!~ This is a normal part of the healing process. Picking the scab may lead to infection or damage to your tattoo. The scab will slough off gradually in the course of a week or two. If you have any questions during the healing process, call your artist. Don't rely on stories told to you by your friends