Since tattoo instruments come in contact with blood
and bodily fluids, diseases may be transmitted if the instruments are
used on more than one person without being sterilized. Most reputable
tattoo shops use fresh disposable needles for each client and sterilize
reusable instruments between clients using an autoclave. Universal
precautions, such as washing the hands, wearing latex gloves and the
thorough cleaning of floors and surfaces, also reduce the risk of
disease.
In addition, it is important that needles and other instruments do not
come in contact with inks that will be used on other clients. To avoid
contamination, small amounts of ink are poured from larger bottles into
disposable cups. These are used on one client, once only, and are
discarded when the session ends. The tattoo artist should be well versed
with the diseases associated with tattooing and discuss the risks of
disease in tattooing, with their clients.
