The potential for serious infection occurs during tattooing and body piercing. The needles that are used to penetrate the skin at various sites on the body can become contaminated by blood or serum.

HIV (the virus which causes AIDS), Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C viruses are present in blood and spread by infected blood entering another person's bloodstream. This can happen during tattooing or body piercing, when needles used for penetrating the skin are contaminated with infected blood or serum and are not sterilized before use on another person.

The person at risk may be the next client being treated with the contaminated instrument or you, if you accidentally penetrate your skin with the contaminated instrument. This is called a 'needle-stick' injury. Contact with infected blood, serum or contaminated instruments on open cuts, sores or broken skin can also lead to infection.

Blood or serum does not have to be visible on an instrument or needle for infection to be transmitted. It is important to note: all instruments that penetrate the skin of a person, including needles and attachments such as nozzles, needle bars and tubes, must be sterile.

Some of the ways which cross-contamination can occur in tattoo and body piercing shops are as follows:

• If one or more operators share the same equipment or materials.
  
• If used and clean instruments come into contact with one another.
  
• If clean instruments are placed on unclean surfaces.
  
• If strict operator hygiene is not observed.
  
• If contaminated dressings, spatulas, disposable gloves are not disposed of immediately and appropriately after use.
  
• If structural facilities, furnishings and fittings of the premises are not adequately protected, or thoroughly cleaned between clients.
  
• If towels and other articles used on clients are not changed or thoroughly cleaned between clients.