RCMP are investigating reports of an unlicensed tattoo artist operating in northwest B.C., according to Northern Health medical health officer Dr. Raina Fumerton.
In a teleconference with area media, Fumerton urged residents considering getting a tattoo to take steps to protect themselves from blood-borne diseases - like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV - and other infections.
"Once the RCMP has done their work, we will follow up as appropriate," Fumerton said.
"We know there may be others operating inappropriately in the region and so that why it's important to ask the questions in order to ensure the operator and the facility is clean and safe."
Among the first steps to take is to check for a business licence on the wall. Tattoo studios, which can be home-based or storefront operations, are inspected annually and more often if a problem is found.
From there, it's also a good idea to ask for a copy of the shop's latest inspection report from Northern Health. If the report has been misplaced, you can contact Northern Health to determine if the artist is in compliance or not.
Look for hand sinks, paper towels and an autoclave - essentially a small metal chamber that uses hot, high pressure steam to sterilize equipment - that is in good working order and recently tested.
There should also be written sanitation procedures and your skin should be properly cleaned, disinfected and even shaved before the work goes ahead. Some common sense also applies.
"Overall, if it doesn't look clean, it's probably not," Fumerton said. "It might indicate that the instruments used to tattoo you aren't clean."
A checklist for things to consider is available from Northern Health at northernhealth.ca.
