| Introduction | | | | herself with including Hepatitus, HIV, and MRSA. |
| Tattooing has exploded in the last few years in | | | | These are serious diseases and precautions should |
| many ways including, but not limited to, it's | | | | be taken seriously as well. |
| acceptability to the general public, the talent level | | | | Preventative Measures |
| of the artists, and its visual vocabulary. | | | | Basic Universal Precaution measures call for the |
| In the midst of this rapid expansion the topic of | | | | placement of a barrier between any bodily fluids |
| cross contamination (CC) must be taken very | | | | and objects that are used in a tattooing |
| seriously. This article is meant for artists who | | | | procedure. |
| may not be up to speed on preventative | | | | These objects would be things such as power |
| measures, called Universal Precautions. It's also | | | | supplies, clip cords, tattoo machines, spray or |
| meant to be a guide to inform potential tattoo | | | | squeeze bottles, arm rests, chairs or massage |
| clients on what to look for in a tattoo shop that is | | | | tables, and counter tops and surfaces used as a |
| following proper CC preventative measures. | | | | work area. |
| This article will discuss the minimum measures or | | | | If an artist needs to answer the phone or touch |
| Universal Precautions that all Tattoo Artists should | | | | an object that's not normally utilized during the |
| follow. | | | | tattooing process gloves should be removed, |
| What is Cross Contamination? | | | | disposed of, and replaced with a fresh pair of |
| When we touch one object that is contaminated | | | | gloves before tattooing resumes. |
| with bacteria, viruses, spores, or other germs our | | | | After tattooing is completed, all barrier film (plastic |
| hands have picked up those germs and are now | | | | coverings) on work areas, tattoo machines, etc. |
| contaminated. Contamination occurs when we | | | | should be carefully removed and disposed of and |
| transfer those germs to a second object by | | | | all surfaces should be wiped with an anti-microbial |
| touching it. | | | | disinfectant in the manner specified by the |
| In the field of tattooing there are many infectious | | | | product being used. |
| organisms that an artist needs to concern him or | | | | |