Tattoo Should I Get Tested

Here's a taste of what TheBody.com has to offer on this topic:

Articles

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Canada: HIV, Hepatitis Tests Urged After Unlicensed Tattoo Parlors Closed in Calgary

After receiving tips from the public, Calgary health officials shut down seven unlicensed tattoo and piercing parlors during recent investigations. Officials said customers of the establishments listed below should seek testing for hepatitis C and... Read more »

Iowa: Tattoo Parlor's Customers Urged to Get Blood Tests

Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health is urging persons who received a tattoo or body piercing at an unlicensed Clear Lake tattoo parlor to be tested for HIV and hepatitis B and C. The business, which operated out of a residence at 715 N.... Read more »

Canada: 3,000 Warned of HIV Risk at Tattoo Shop

Customers who received tattoos or body piercings at Moonshin Tattoo, located on Dundas Street West in Mississauga, between March 2005 and February 2009 have been advised to seek testing for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Peel Public Health... Read more »

Ask the Experts

tattoos

I have tattoos, and have been tested for hepatitis before, tested negative. How long does it take to infect the body? Exactly what are the symptoms of hepatitis anyway?...

Response from Michael Fried, M.D.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Tattoos have not been strongly associated with the spread of hepatitis C, however, it is likely that it can occur with the right combination of conditions. HBV and HCV will generally become detectable by antibody tests 6 weeks (or sooner) to 6... Read more »

Tattoos long ago

I have had my tattoos for 5 and 2 years. If I went to go get tested for Hep. and the test came back Neg, that would mean I am set for good, correct?...

Response from Barbara McGovern, M.D.

Tufts University School of Medicine

Yes, if your test for hepatitis C is negative, then you probably had your tatooes done in a parlor which properly used clean equipment. If there are no other risks for hepatitis C, then you do not need any further testing.Dr. McGovern... Read more »

TATTOO SCARE

I HAD A TATTOO IN SEPTEMBER,IN JANUARY I WAS TESTED FOR HEP C, IT CAME BACK NEGATIVE. DO I NEED TO BE RETESTED, OR IS IT SAFE TO SAY I DON'T HAVE IT....

Response from Maribel Rodriguez-Torres, M.D.

Fundacion Gatroenterologia De Diego

You did the test early to detect hepatitis C antibody,may take up to a year to be detectable.The risks of tattoos,have been shown to be very remote for Hep.C.You should always request clean disposable needles and ink.... Read more »

tattoos and Hep C

I recently got a tattoo and now my mom is telling me that I can get hepitis C from getting one. I watched the tattooist put a clean needle on...do i have anything to worry about?Also, she wanted me to get tested...how long do i have to wait in order...

Response from Maribel Rodriguez-Torres, M.D.

Fundacion Gatroenterologia De Diego

There is no definite evidence of this but many of us think it is possible ,in not so hygienic places,as prisons etc.It is not only the needle ,but also the the ink as the virus can stay alive a while.If you used disposable ink ,you are O.K.The... Read more »

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Connect With Others

tattoos

Posted by Anonymous

cdc says no documented cases, i watched artist use one-time needkes/tubes, ink, etc. anyone wonder about tattooing? anyone know differently? they say hep c is likely transmitted by tattooing, but hep c is not sexually transmitted. it is all... Read more »

Tattoo

Posted by Anonymous, 3 Replies

All gay diseased men should have a HIV tattoo
this will help stop spread HIV.

Read more »

HIV In Prisons-MYTHS-Tattooing

Posted by Bear60, 2 Replies

Read the part about Tattoos.

Busted! Georgia Prison Study Shakes Down Some HIV Myths

by Laura Whitehorn

April 26, 2006A new study tracking HIV through the Georgia prison system is busting some myths about life behind bars and raising questions about... Read more »

Tattoo and me

Posted by Anonymous, 2 Replies

Hello, I'm 16 going on 17 and I want to get a tattoo for my birthday. I am HIV positive. I'm wondering if there can be any complication towards me if I get a tattoo. I am of course aware that I need to go to a safe sterile professional environment... Read more »

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