Preventing Hepatitis

The only prevention for all types of hepatitis and 375 other diseases in the tattoo industry is the policy of zero reuse of used equipment from one procedure to the next.  Replacing the tattoo needle is NOT enough. 

Everything must be replaced with 100% all disposable implements.  Needles, needle bars, tubes, tips, grips, pigments caps, pigments, barrier plastics, everything!.

In the case of the tattoo machine, (the biggest problem) it must be 100% sterilizeable and used only under 100% pressurization during the tattoo procedure.   If it is fully contained under a pressurized flexible barrier that would be akin to a deep sea diver on a pressurized life line to the surface, and then after each tattoo, the tattoo machine is then also completely sterilized with both heat under pressure (autoclave) and also cleaned with a recognized hepatitis B & C hard surface cleaner, there is no chance of infection of hepatitis.

Guns 2 Roses is the only tattoo studios in the world to use this exhaustive measure to completely abate all chances of hepatitis during the tattoo procedure.  

Outside tattoo studios prevention for hepatitis varies according to the type of hepatitis infection.

Hepatitis A

The best way to prevent infection with the virus that causes hepatitis A (HAV) is by vaccination (shot). A medication called, immune globulin, can also be used for short-term prevention of the infection. Immune globulin is given within two weeks of coming into contact with the infection.

Wash your hands with soap and water when:

• Going to the bathroom
• Changing a diaper
• Before preparing and eating food

Hepatitis B

The best way to prevent hepatitis B infection is by vaccination (shot). Abstinence is the best way to prevent hepatitis infection through sexual contact. If sexually active, you should always use latex condom or other latex barrier. Avoid doing drugs, especially injection drugs. If you do, never share needles. Also avoid sharing needles for steroids, piercing, and tattooing. Avoid sharing personal items, like razors and toothbrushes.

If you test positive for hepatitis B, do not donate blood, organs, or tissue.

Health care and public safety workers should be vaccinated against hepatitis B.

Hepatitis C

Unlike, hepatitis A and B, there is no vaccination (shot) to prevent hepatitis C. Abstinence is the best way to prevent hepatitis infection through sexual contact. If sexually active, you should always use latex condom or other latex barrier. Avoid doing drugs, especially injection drugs. If you do, never share needles. Also avoid sharing needles for steroids, piercing, and tattooing. Avoid sharing personal items, like razors and toothbrushes.

If you test positive for hepatitis C, do not donate blood, organs, or tissue.