During tattooing, there are risks of infection with various microorganisms transmitted through the blood. Tattoo needle entry into the skin, may introduce a variety of microbes if the needle has not been sterilized.
Infections that can occur include those caused by bacteria, such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas, and Clostridium; in addition to viral infections such as hepatitis B and C; human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpes; and viruses that cause local infections, such as warts and condylomas.
Microorganisms may come from different sources, such as the person who performs the tattoo, the customer, instruments, furniture, and so on. However, the risk of transmission is reduced or eliminated if the staff of the tattoo shop, fulfills a series of simple steps of cleaning and disinfection, for the establishment, the people who perform the tattoos and the instruments. The latter must be properly sanitized and sterilized.
Why cleaning and disinfection is necessary in the tattoo shop?
This type of establishment has conditions for cross-contamination. These consist of scattering bacteria and viruses from one surface to another. It is important to remember that microorganisms transmitted through the blood may persist on objects and surfaces for some time.
Thus, if people’s surfaces, instruments, and hands are not cleaned and disinfected after serving a customer, the risk of transmitting microorganisms to another customer is high. The intention is to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
Steps to perform cleaning and disinfection in a tattoo shop
- Before and after each session, all surfaces of the tattoo machine and its accessories must be cleaned and disinfected. A soft cloth moistened with disinfectant shall be used.
- Disassemble the machine and place all extended parts on a clean surface. Gloves should be worn.
- Check for residues such as paint or body fluids.
- All machine accessories can be cleaned with a soft cloth dampened with disinfectant. In the case of the mango, it can be sprayed with a disinfectant solution.
- Include accessories and other materials that are reusable, in an ultrasonic bath, except those parts of the tattoo machine that cannot be submerged.
Usefulness of ultrasonic cleaners for the sterilization of tattoo materials
Ultrasonic cleaners are recommended for cleaning and disinfecting instruments and materials used in tattoo shops. This equipment uses ultrasound and special solutions, which enable the sanitization of the materials used.
The cavitation produced by the high frequency waves emitted in the cleaning solution, release enough energy to release the debris attached to the instruments. One of the most outstanding advantages of this equipment is that, in addition to eliminating waste in an efficient way, it can carry out a disinfection with a medium-high level, of the materials.
Disinfection level with ultrasonic cleaners
The level of disinfection will depend on the solutions we use and the time that the materials are immersed in the solution. For example, a solution containing 2% Glutaraldehyde will have a bactericidal and viricidal action if the materials are immersed for 10 minutes. If the immersion time is between 3 to 10 hours, it will provide a sporicidal action. When it reaches 10 hours, it will have a sterilizing action.
However, because Glutaraldehyde emits vapors and can be toxic, it has been displaced by other high-level disinfectants, such as 2% hydrogen peroxide. This is a biodegradable disinfectant and no protective measures are required when used. Once the material is disinfected, it needs to be rinsed with plenty of distilled water, to remove the disinfectant. They are then dried and packed.
Kalstein ultrasonic cleaners for tattoo materials
At Kalstein we offer a wide variety of YR series ultrasonic cleaners. You can choose the model that best suits your needs. These equipment provide better cleaning performance and minimal noise level, high energy conversion efficiency and long service life. For more information on Kalstein ultrasonic cleaners, visit HERE
We are manufacturers, so in Kalstein you can make the purchase of ultrasonic cleaners at advantageous prices. For more detailed information, visit HERE