lv wallets Although some hard-core tattoo enthusiasts will throw caution to the wind when it means s

Although some hard-core tattoo enthusiasts will throw caution to the wind when it means saving a few hundred dollars for their next piece of art, choosing a tattoo artist and studio that is fully licensed, and practices at least the state minimum sterilization procedures, if not better, could mean the difference between life and death if you are the unlucky customer on the end of a reused needle.



While even most underground and unlicensed tattoo artists do not reuse needles, the sterile practices that are missing could be as simple as a bit of cross-contamination between your skin and their coffee cup that leads to an infection or more major concerns.





In the State of Rhode Island the tattoo laws have not been changed since 1997 when a local tattoo studio owner and sterile tattoo environment expert consulted with the state to rewrite the outdated laws to better protect the public from bloodborn pathogens and cross contamination in the tattoo environment.



Since that time, new infectious diseases, most notably HIV and Hepatitus C have become more prevalent, yet the tattoo laws regarding sterilization remain the same in RI, and are non-existent in other states, leaving tattoo studio customers to roll the dice with their health when choosing to get inked.



Recently in Idaho, the Center for Disease Control traced 40 cases of MRSA, a very serious skin infection that can lead to pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and at its most severe a painful flesh-destroying condition, to an underground artist who was practicing tattooing unlicensed from his home. Everyone recovered, including the four who had to be hospitalized, however this case stands out as a harsh warning to would be tattoo enthusiasts, as well as a cry for State control over sterilization and licensure procedures for tattoo artists and tattoo studios.



There are plenty of unlicensed underground tattoo artists that work from their homes to make extra money. Often, these artists are already employed during the day by a sterile and licensed facility that is not aware of their moonlighting activity. Most legitimate tattoo studios will not employ tattoo artists who do tattooing from their homes for the obvious safety and insurance reasons.



If you are thinking of getting a tattoo, check with your local State laws to determine whether there are any governing the licensure and sterilization process of the studio that you choose. At a minimum, the artist should be licensed, and the facility should practice sterile procedures including the use of gloves, no eating or drinking in the tattoo area, a clean sink with running water and soap available in the immediate vicinity, an autoclave that is used to sterilize equipment with a monthly report filed with the Department of Health regarding its use, and clean, fresh needles for each tattoo.



Talk to others who may have gone to certain artists and get recommendations from them before choosing an establishment or artist. Recognize that the tattoo will cost a good amount of money to be done properly and safely and choose to preserve your health and spend accordingly. Remember that there are an abundance of safe, clean, licensed tattoo facilities who will be able to give you a great tattoo for a fair price, and choose to honor your body and health above all else.