[petitfour]

When I was having our fourth child, the admitting nurse for the hospital gave me a questionnaire which asked whether I had ever had any tatoos. I asked her why that would matter. She said that some tatoo places use the same ink over and over again. When they tatoo an HIV+ (or other disease) person, and then tatoo you using the same ink, then somehow you might contract HIV, too. I have never researched whether this is true or not. I just answered the questions.

[Darksheare]

It is possible, and there are some reported cases.
One particular person in my area, a man, got hepatitis C from contaminated tattoo equipment and inks.
(Some shops charge you extra for using a clean needle and fresh ink.)

[SLB]

Another idea that is taking this trend along is the pretty baby contests I see at local fairs. My gosh, they have 6 month old kids dolled up with makeup and the whole nine yards. Then the parents wonder why they have sluts for teenagers. I have four daughters, three still at home, they know the standard. They try to press the issue every once in awhile, but as long as dad buys the clothes . . . . .

[bc2]

Tattooing has come a long way in 20 years, although a lot of "scratch shops" still practice really horrible tattooing procedures.

Our shop, Love Hate Tattoo, uses state of the art sterilization techniques, including all autoclave sterilization, all disposable, and single use tattoo equipment including needles, ink, inkwells, disposable razors, etc. We are careful not to cross-contaminate anything, and take sterilization very seriously. We make people fill out a release form, saying they do not have any blood diseases. As far as we know, we have never had a single infection, and we intend to keep it that way.

We don't do "tattoo parties" or do tattoos anywhere other than our sterile-friendly environment of the tattoo shop. We use all autoclave sterilization for our gear, and have our autoclaves spore-tested on a monthly basis. Customers are free to inspect them if they wish (but most folks don't even know what an autoclave is!).

You will find a lot of "scratch shops" commonly known as "street shops" that do not take pride in their sterilization techniques or who do not practice sterile procedures. Besides our experience in the field, and superior artistry, that is what sets us, as a "custom shop" apart from these "street shops".

If you are interested in getting a tattoo, make sure you go to a reputable shop, not just some place your buddy got a tattoo. No matter if you're friends with some guy who does tattoos, be wary!!! Ask to inspect the autoclaves to make sure they're in proper working order. Ask them if all of their gear is single use, and sterile! Watch them do tattoos, and make sure the artists are using all single use, disposable items, wearing gloves, taking them off and replacing them with new ones when they use the phone, grab a marker, etc.

Most importantly, don't go "looking for a deal". Folks will go and spend $200 on a winter coat, but complain about a tattoo costs $150. The average tattoo will run you roughly $100 per hour. I can most likely give you a reference for your area if this is something you (or anyone else) is interested in.

take care!