Here are some basic terms your Tattoo &/or Piercing Artist should know, no reason you shouldn't either. Any questions, just ask! Thanks for looking.....

ANAPHYLAXIS: A hypersensitive (allergenic reaction) state of the body to a foreign protein or drug. Latex, iodine and other chemicals commonly found in the Tattoo/Piercing Studio can cause this reaction. Reactions are sudden in onset and can include increased irritability, Cyanosis, convulsions, unconsciousness ans even DEATH. Death generally occurs due to spasms of the bronchioles in the lungs.

ANTIBACTERIAL: Destroying or suppressing the growth or reproduction of bacteria.

ANTIMICROBIAL: Capable of killing or suppressing the growth of microorganisms.

AUTOCLAVE: A Medical Device used for sterilization of equipment and materials at high temperature and under pressure. (Make sure your shop of choice owns and operates one properly)

BACTERIA: Minute unicellular microorganisms with both plant and animal characteristics. Also known as "Germs" or "Microbes". The primary types are cocci, spirilla, and bacilli. Bacterial Diseases include pneumonia, staph infection, tetanus, tuberculosis, syphilis, and diphtheria.

BLOODBORNE PATHOGEN: A pathogenic microorganism that is present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. (Classes are available at your local Red Cross or Health Department)

CARTILAGE: A type of dense connective tissue consisting of cells embedded in a substance or matrix. Cartilage has no nerve or blood supply of its own. There are several types of cartilage.

CONTAMINATION: The presence or the reasonable anticipated presence of BLOOD or other potentially infectious materials on an item or surface.

CROSS-CONTAMINATION: The act of spreading pathogenic organisms from one item or surface to another. **"EXAMPLE"** Your artist (Piercer or Tattoo Artist) should be wearing disposable gloves when performing a procedure. Your Artist should always remove their gloves when touching any outside objects off from their set up. Such as turning up the radio or grabbing new equipment for the procedure. If they don't, that person is putting you and all others in that environment at risk of infection.

DISINFECT: To free from pathogenic organisms, or to prevent pathogens from reproducing.

DECONTAMINATION: The use of physical or chemical means to remove, inactive or destroy bloodborne pathogens on a surface or item to the extent that they are no longer capable of transmitting pathogens.

INDIRECT-CONTACT TRANSMISSION: The transmission of a disease from one host to another through a contaminated object. **Common result from CROSS-CONTAMINATION such as Improper Hand Washing, or your artist not changing gloves properly.

INDICATOR: Indicators are paper or tape strips impregnated with a chemical that changes when exposed heat and steam in an autoclave. (Found usually on the autoclave pouch) **IMPORTANT** All Equipment and Needles need to be sterilized. just because you saw it come out of the bag, doesn't mean it was sterilized properly. Ask your artist to show you the INDICATOR that must be present on all Sterilized Items!

STERILIZATION: The complete elimination of all microbial life. If an object is sterile, nothing lives on its surfaces. As the air around us filled with organisms, nothing exposed or in contact with air is considered sterile.

STERILIZATION, CHEMICAL: Sterilization by exposure to Ethylene Oxide (EO) Gas.

STERILIZATION, GAMMA RAY: An effective, very rapid method of sterilization by the means of exposure to gamma radiation.

STERILIZATION, STEAM: Sterilization by the means of exposure to high pressure, superheated steam. The most common, efficient sterilization method for most Studios. Also known as "HOSPITAL STERILIZATION".