In the most recent years, tattooing has exploded in many ways, including, but not limited to, and it’s acceptability to the general public, the talent level of the artists, and its visual vocabulary. In the middle of this rapid expansion of the tattoo industry in general, the topic of cross-contamination (CC) must be taken very seriously. In most states, you are required to make a bloodborne pathogens class before you file for a tattoo artist license. This is because, when tattooing, you are faced with blood, plasma, and bodily fluids regularly.
Every tattoo you do will include some form of biomedical material. It’s just part of the job. Biomedical material shouldn’t be taken lightly. Any cross-contamination can be dangerous for you and your clients. Even though the needle doesn’t go under their skin, tattoo artists face the same hazards as their customers. A body artist is exposed to potential sources of contamination through used tattooing needles or filthy equipment. Tattooists must remain alert to avoid cuts, which are a common transmission route for bloodborne diseases. They must sterilize their work areas to protect themselves and their clients.
What is cross-contamination?
By definition, cross-contamination represents the process through which bacteria or other microorganisms are unintentionally transferred from one substance or object to another, with harmful effects. So, for instance, touching the shop phone with your gloves on could leave biomedical material from your client on the phone and, in turn, transfer bacteria on the phone to your client. Transfer of biomedical material from one client to another is possible if the tattoo equipment is properly cleaned. In other words, it crossed material from one person to another person or object.
Cross-Contamination in Tattooing: How to avoid it?
There are ways to prevent this issue from occurring in your shop. Some of the precautions include:
· When it is necessary gloves ought to be changed
Gloves must be removed and thrown immediately away every time a tattooist or piercer leaves his or her work area.
If they tear, gloves must be changed.
Not reusable gloves must not be washed or reused.
· Hands must be washed frequently
Hand washing helps with the elimination of most disease-causing organisms on a person’s hands.
While wearing gloves, heat, and moisture build-up and, as a result, creates the right conditions to allow bacteria to reproduce. To diminish the spread of viruses and bacteria, tattooists and piercers should wash their hands before and after wearing gloves.
You must know that gloves are not a substitute for handwashing.
· Surfaces should be disinfected regularly
Body artists are supposed to disinfect surfaces, such as the client’s chair and counter space, between procedures.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a list of registered disinfectants External that is made to kill certain bacteria and viruses. EPA-registered tuberculocidal disinfectants are finest for cleaning surfaces contaminated with blood.
The germ that causes tuberculosis is considered as one of the most difficult to kill. Any disinfectant that claims to be able to get rid of the tuberculosis germ can also kill HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C viruses.
Many disinfectants require staying on surfaces for a specific amount of time to fully disinfect the surface before being wiped down. The instructions included with the disinfectant should note the quantity of time needed to properly disinfect an area.
· Reusable tools and equipment must be cleaned before sterilization
The first step in removing viruses and bacteria from equipment is cleaning. Reusable tools and equipment must first be washed before sterilization. If washing tools by hand, piercers and tattooists should use a brush or similar tool at whatever time possible.
Ultrasonic cleaners work fine to clean tools in hard-to-reach places and lessen the amount of time contaminated equipment is handled. Shop employers should confirm with the owner’s manual to be sure the machine is cared for properly.
· Use disposable “single-use” materials whenever possible
Disposable materials, such as pigment caps, razors, rinse cups, and sterilized pre-made needle bars, ought to be used once and disposed of. By not reusing disposable materials, the chance of being exposed to blood while cleaning them is avoided.
· Sterilization machines have to be regularly tested and serviced
Autoclave machines make use of steam, pressure, and temperature to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Gauge readings and the color change of indicator strips on autoclave packaging are not dependable ways of ensuring an autoclave is sterilizing properly.
If the machine is not properly taken care of, it may not reach the conditions needed to sterilize reusable equipment well.
Routine spore tests can verify if an autoclave is sterilizing correctly. Employers should get in touch with their local health department to find out how often spore tests should be done.
The employer should also make certain the autoclave is regularly serviced. The owner’s manual ought to provide information about the maintenance schedule.
