Question on tattoo's and sterilization??

Question

So i have been thinking long and hard about getting a tattoo and i have come to the conclusion that i am going to get one. My biggest worry is the cleanliness. I dont understand what has to be autoclaved and what doesnt. My friend is gone to the place i THINK i want to go to. Her tattoos a nice, and she said they opened the needles up right in front of her which eases my mind a little. If they use new sterile needles on each client does that mean they dont need to autoclave anything? Is the needle the most important thing that needs to be sterile?? She also said they use disposible cups for the ink, so that means that should be clean right??? The have an internet site www.uptownink.net please feel free to check it out and give me your need back. I went to the sop Friday and it was very plain jane but looked clean. I couldnt see much becaues they have private rooms.

Answer 1

Ok, everything that comes in contact with the client is one time use. The needles have been autoclaved by the manufacturer and are shipped to the shop that way, unless it is an old school shop where they still make their own needles, in that case, they autoclave them prior to use on the customer. Tubes, tips & grips are also autoclaved. The shop I work in even takes it one step further, we scrub them, then soak them for 24 hours in Wavicide, wash them, then autoclave them.

Ink caps are used for a client then throw away, with any left over ink in them being thrown away.

Most all shops now use bottle covers (platic covers that go over the bottle of green soap) and these are disposed of after the client and replaced for each new client, they also use cord covers, which are also disposed of after each client.

As long as you go to a reputable shop, you shouldn't have to worry too much about them not following safety precauations. Part of apprenticing to be a tattoo artist is learning the many ways that cross contamination occurs, learning bloodborn pathogens, and by having it pounded into their head not to cut corners when it comes to making sure someone's health is never disregarded.

If you are really concerned about this, when you go to get your work done, ask them to give you a run down of their safety precautions they take for each customer before you get in the chair. They should have no problem taking the time to explain it to you.

Answer 2

Most places autoclave their needles. Not because they've been used (they should NEVER be reused), but just as added security, on the off chance the guy in the assembly line had Hepetitis. It's an added measure of security.

The disposable cups are, of course, disposed of after use.

Private rooms also show a concern for your comfortableness, and also a good sign.

The place your friend went to sounds like a solid, sterile place. They should always open their materials in front of you. They should throw their needles away in a biohazard sharps container. They should change their cloves often. They should be able to show you not just their autoclave, but the recent spore tests (tests if the autoclave is working). They should throw away any materials used on you (disposable ink cups, shaving razors, etc). They should be friendly and helpful.

Finally, they should have a large and comprehensive portfolio of their work to show you, and it should meet your approval.

Many places are "plain" looking, but that's much less important than a standard of quality.

The best way to see if they measure up is to go in yourself. You are right to be so concerned on their safety practices, and good for you.

Answer 3

Even if the needles are opened in front of you, they should be sterilized...................along with that is the grip, the tube that the needle runs through and the artist holds when he is tatting.
The cups......well, as for me I use disposable ones, why, for two reasons, 1, no question that it was used before......
and 2, I don't feel like cleaning those little plastic cups things when I'm finished. Call me lazy..................
The artist should also use gloves......hopefully clean.....the area where the work is being done......no food or animals around........just think about it and you can probably come up
with some more things.
Just do your homework like you did by asking a friend.

make the right choice
good luck and enjoy

Answer 4

Before you get your tat, have a very candid discussion with your artist before you get anything done! (Remember, this is your skin, and you'll be living this for the rest of your life).

NEVER get a tat if they don't open the needles if front of you! NEVER!!!!

I've gotten my tats from all over the USA; some places were very nice, some were "holes in the wall".

You really need to be concerned about:
1) Safety, and
2) Quality (I would never get a tat by someone who has done under 200). Experience means a lot !!!!

Answer 5

I am glad that you have given this a lot of thought, way to many people jump into that decision and regret it later. Here are some rules of thumb for you to go by:

Needles and tubes need to be in sterilized packages and opened in front of you.

the machine and clip cords should be covered in plastic sleeves.

the ink should be poured in the disposable caps in front of you

all of this should be done while the artist or whom ever is doing it is wearing surgical gloves

The place should be clean and licensed. Oh and ask to see some of the artists work.

Answer 6

make sure needles get opened in front of you cleanliness is most important factor. almost every shop will practice safety is #1. doesn't have to be a any place special to have a great artist working there

Answer 7

Just make sure the needles are new and watch them to see they are wrapped in plastic and then taken out. You can even ask, they don't care. They want you to feel at ease and most pride themselves on the cleanliness of their studios.

Answer 8

I went to that site and it looks like a good place. They have to be licenced professionals to have a shop like that, so i think it would be clean. When u go to get a tat just make sure u watch wat they use and ask questions if u feel uncomfortable about something. If u dont end up goin there just make sure u dont go to someones basement to get it done. KK? best of luck

Answer 9

I know you hear this all the time, but don't get a tatoo. Instead, get a henna design. They look cool, and you don't have to worry about sanitation. They last long enough, but aren't permanent, so you won't regret it. Tatoos can prevent you from getting certain jobs, and people tend to judge you if you have a tatoo.