Tattooing and body piercing

Published: 01 October 2011
  • If infection control measures are not taken, there is a risk of blood-borne virus transmission.

Tattooing and piercing both involve the use of needles to pierce the body, either in the form of an intra-dermal ink injection or a deeper needle penetration during piercing. Therefore there is a risk of blood-borne virus transmission, unless infection control measures are taken.

However there are no documented cases of HIV transmission due to tattooing or body piercing. There have been cases of hepatitis C transmission, particularly when non-professional equipment has been used in prison settings.

Universal application of infection control procedures is important – employment of single-use, disposable piercing needles, tattoo needles and razors; safe disposal of needles and razors in sharps boxes; washing hands before and after putting on disposable gloves; the cleaning and sterilization of reusable tools and equipment; and frequent cleaning of surfaces and work areas.

In the UK, local authority environmental health officers register and regulate businesses offering tattooing and body piercing.

This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.
Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.