If tubes and needles are properly sterilized and the artist is reasonably careful, tattooing is almost 100 percent safe for both the customer and the artist. The risks are minimal. However, there are certain risks, and by being aware of them and taking appropriate precautions, you can avoid them. In spite of popular concern about AIDS, the most serious potential complication of tattooing is still Hepatitis. The Hepatitis virus is extremely contagious and can be transmitted from the customer to the tattoo artist if the tattoo artist accidentally sticks himself with a contaminated needle, or from one customer to another if needles and tubes are not properly sterilized. Tattoo artists should be vaccinated against hepatitis B. Sterilization of tubes and needles in an autoclave and use of disposable gloves will prevent the transmission of the Hepatitis (and other) virus from one customer to another. Sterilization cannot be effected by boiling or by immersion in chemical disinfectants. Other reported complications of tattooing include allergic reactions to pigments, aggravation of existing skin disease and keloid scarring. Important questions to ask your tattoo artist before getting tattooed: DO YOU... Thoroughly wash your hands with antibacterial soap immediately before and after each tattoo application? Wear medical grade exam gloves during the tattooing procedure? Use single service materials and equipment (i.e., each needle and tube set is individually packaged, dated and sealed, and autoclave sterilized), and set up and open them in front of the client? Use sterile disposable needles? Have an FDA-regulated autoclave on site? Spore test the autoclave atleast monthly? Sanitize your work space with an EPA-approved viricidal disinfectant, preferably one that kills viruses,fungi,and microbes, before and after each client? Properly dispose of contaminated materials according to county, state and federal regulations? Measure how the person who you talk with answers your concerns. Are they considerate and thorough, or are they annoyed by your questions? You have a right to have your questions answered thoroughly in advance. When you get there, check out the studio. Make sure it looks and feels clean. If you get there and you are uncomfortable, you can leave.