Experience I've been tattooing professionally for 10 years in shops in the US and England. I now own Dragonfly Ink in San Francisco, CA
Organizations Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals
Education/Credentials Apprenticed at Black and Blue Tattoo
Specialized training and certifications:
Cross-contamination Prevention
SofTaps Micropigmentation
Areola Repigmentation
Skin Needling
University Art Courses
Question Hi my name is michelle i have a few questions on cross contamination
1.What is cross contamination
2.What do you do if you cross contaminate something
Thanks for youe help Michelle
Answer Michelle-
Cross-contamination is the physical movement or transfer of potentially harmful bacteria from one person, object or place to another. It is important in tattooing, but also cooking, research, and daily life (washing hands after using the restroom and before cooking, keeping raw meat away from other foods, etc).
In tattooing, if the artist doesn't remove gloves when handing things such as a phone or pen or other objects not properly covered with a barrier. Objects that have been contaminated must either be disposed of in a proper hazardous receptacle, or sterilized with a properly monitored sterilizer, or cleaned with the appropriate cleaning chemicals.
All artists and others working in the tattoo shop must get cross-contamination training. There is no way I can cover what needs to be learned in a short post. You can get Blood Borne Pathogens training from many Red Cross offices and the Association of Professional Tattoo Artists (www.safe-tattooing.com) has regular classes as well.
It is vital to learn all the ways in which you can first prevent contamination, and then safely deal with contaminated objects. It is both your health as well as your clients that will be protected.
