Infection control precautions required when using micropigmentation (temporary tattooing) equipment
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On Nov 11 2005 12:09PM  neil.wigglesworth wrote: 
On behalf of Dr Alan Beswick of the HSE:

Bulletin: Infection control precautions required when using
micropigmentation (temporary tattooing) equipment
Micropigmentation is now available within the health care sector for treatments such as scar camouflage and nipple (areolus) reconstruction after breast surgery. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive
and the Health and Safety Laboratory has found there is potential for pigment to track back inside some micropigmentation equipment during use.
The problem is made worse by inappropriate handling of the equipment, such as overloading of needles and lifting of the loaded needle towards horizontal while the motor is running. Because micropigmentation treatment
requires intradermal injection, pigment can become mixed with blood products and may then deposit on parts of the equipment that are not disposable and which cannot be steam sterilized. The main re-used section
is the motor section, and this cannot be steam sterilized due to the heat sensitivity of its components. In such cases, careful consideration must be given to cleaning and disinfection of re-used items, and detailed guidance is available on this via the HSE web site at:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/lau/lacs/14-1.htm

The guidance circular was originally written to inform environmental health officers of the potential problems associated with micropigmentation
equipment. The document contains detailed infection control and legal information, along with a suggested 5-step cleaning procedure drawn up by experienced infection control scientists. This 5-step procedure, or an
equivalent method, is recommended as best practice for rendering micropigmentation equipment safe for re-use. The guidance document is currently being updated, but the core infection control advice remains valid.

For further information, or for any further clarification of the guidance, please contact Dr. Alan Beswick at the address below. Dr. Beswick would also be very grateful to hear from users regarding the types of equipment
in use within their departments.

Dr. Alan Beswick,
Senior Scientist,
Health and Safety Laboratory
Harpur Hill , Buxton
Derbyshire SK17 9JN
UK
email: alan.beswick@hsl.gov.uk
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