Testing and Tattoos: What May Be Lurking in That Ink

Anything that is consumed or applied to our bodies can contain contaminants. In most cases, the human body does a miraculous job at resisting and fighting the pathogens. But sometimes, the contaminants can lead to health complications, disease, even death. Tattoo ink has recently come before the firing line as a contaminant carrier worthy of serious attention. But what exactly does that mean for ink enthusiasts, and can testing be performed to potentially correct the concerns?

Common Concerns with Tattoo Ink
Infection scares surrounding tattoos aren’t new. Staph, hepatitis, and even MRSA reports have been collected due most often to dirty equipment and unsanitary business conditions. This doesn’t mean that everyone who gets a tattoo is infected, but it happens enough for the practice to have developed a stigma. It goes without saying that if you come across a shady or filthy-looking tattoo parlor, just keep on walking. Unfortunately, however customers of even the cleanest tattoo business can get an infection.  Why? Because the bacteria are in the ink.

Products can become contaminated in two different ways: either at the manufacturing level, or during regular usage. In the event of tattoo ink, both options may lend a hand to the contamination process. Even in the cleanest conditions, ink containers are constantly opened and closed. This allows the products to come in contact with fungal spores, airborne viruses, and even skin-based bacteria. But professional applications and permanent inks aren’t the only concerns in this latest scare.

At-home tattoo kits and even temporary applications can cause infections or health concerns. The latest issue involves the California company White and Blue Lion, Inc. Home tattoo kits were recalled after verification of bacteria growth in unopened bottles of ink. Single numbers of skin infections have been reported due to the contaminants. While that may seem silly for the public to be made aware for a handful of cases, the FDA is coming across more reports of infections linked to ink products with similar packaging designs. Health officials are also concerned that parlors and private consumers alike may be using or have access to previously contaminated products.

A few years ago, almost 20 people in New York developed bubbly skin rashes due to coming into contact with diluted ink which was laced with contaminated water. These types of diluted inks are not only found in professional businesses or in permanent ink sources. They’re also found in some temporary sources. When children apply temporary ink and then play in public water sources such as pools and lakes, the contaminated products can easily spread to others.

Can Pharmaceutical Microbiology Help?
If caught in time before a mass breakout and sent to proper labs for classification and containment, testing may help control the situation. Generally, tattoo ink is not sent out for living pathogen testing before leaving the manufacturer. Although some ink companies are putting the customers first and taking that extra step. Those who bypass that step and chance their luck often have to retrace their path and lose money on extensive recalls and client rebuilding measures.

Lab chemists collect samples and use specific microbiology instruments to count and contain active pathogens responsible for the health conditions within the product. Rapid detection systems then collect the necessary information regarding the strains and development of the bacteria. Microbiologists implement clinical procedures to wipe out those strains within the affected products. Microbiological Quality Assurance is stamped on the item, and it’s returned to the manufacturer allowing business-customer rebuilding to commence.

It may seem like a tricky, expensive and time consuming process, but rapid detection systems can confirm results within 12-48 hours. But just how important is this for the general public? Considering that more than 20 percent Americans admit to having at least one permanent tattoo, it’s very important to insist that your tattoo ink is microbiologically tested. Of course, it’s always best to do so at the manufacturing level. Then it’s just a matter of raising professional ethics to ensure artists practice safe handling of the equipment and learn what may potentially be harmful to their client base.

Learn more about tattoo safety: contact Biolumix today.

Biolumix
3928 Varsity Dr.
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone: (734) 984-3100
Fax: 734-222-1830
Email: info@mybiolumix.com
http://www.mybiolumix.com/
https://plus.google.com/103841943418192727689/