Tattoo Equipment Sterilization Priorities Leave a comment
This is an updated version of our pervious article on the same subject, published on September 19th, 2017, which you can find here.
Nearly 45 million Americans have at least one tattoo, but being inked for the first time can still be quite nerve-wracking. Of course they’ll all be understandably worried and cautious of the pain, but that may not be all that’s on their minds. Of course aside from the fact that with everything going on in the pandemic of today, safety is probably on the forefront of anyone’s minds regardless.
But we’re talking about how the clients may worry about the cleanliness of your instruments that you use day-to-day. Whether it be from word of mouth or from the grape vine, patrons have definitely heard the potential risks of an unsanitary tattoo needle. Without the peace of mind knowing it will be safe, many possible clients will be wary of wanting to come in at all. But don’t worry that is where your autoclave comes in. And if you just want to talk to someone, call our Free Tech Support at 704-966-1650 Option 3.
Is an Autoclave Sterilizer Really Needed?
These days, the majority of tattoo shops or any piercing places use an autoclave tattoo sterilizer. The uses of an autoclave are expansive beyond types and brands. For example, a Statim autoclave can be used to sterilize anything from piercing jewelry to surgical instruments. This makes them perfect for tattoo and piercing shops. Tattoo guns, needles, and hoses can all be sources of bacteria and infection if not cleaned properly. And these same tools are extremely difficult to disinfect well by hand. Therefore, an autoclave should definitely be present in every tattoo studio you visit.
How does an Autoclave Sterilizer Work?
Should you need to explain it to a curious customer or need a refresher yourself, you can use this brief descriptor: a tattoo autoclave sterilizer acts as a pressure chamber. Instruments are placed inside the chamber and are exposed to extremely hot steam (typically around 270 degrees Fahrenheit) for 20 minutes or so, depending on the size and type of the autoclave and how many items need to be sterilized. The hot steam kills microorganisms that boiling water can’t. The pressurized steam is forced into every tiny area of anything placed inside the autoclave. And with that it is able to penetrate and eradicate many types of bacteria, spores, viruses, and many other germs. Another benefit of using an autoclave sterilizer is that it is much safer and also more reliable than using chemicals to sterilize equipment.
The Safety of Pre-Sterilized Tools
Even though autoclave sterilizers do the brunt of the work, they can’t be used for just anything. Take for example, single-use tools like needles and tubes, the autoclave cannot do anything with those. Which is why, should you be asked or want to show your clients, tattoo shops utilize pre-sterilized tools. Packaged in blister packs and sterilized with Ethylene Oxide gas instead of steam.
Using a Tattoo Autoclave Sterilizer
ALWAYS consider Safety First when operating an autoclave sterilizer. You will find operating instructions included that are pertinent to any machine you purchase. It is a best practice to read through the entire contents before running your first disinfection cycle. Here are a few basic things to remember.
Loading
As previously stated every autoclave comes with it’s own loading instructions, which should be followed carefully. In general, it is important to:
- Make sure the unit is clean and free of any debris before loading.
- Be sure that only items designed to withstand intense heat are placed inside for disinfecting (manufacturers will state if an item is “Autoclavable” or not).
- You should use a rack, tray, or cassette (whichever your autoclave uses) and not place them directly on the unit’s surface.
- Be sure the door to the unit is completely closed and locked before turning it on.
- Always double check your temperature and timer settings before starting the cycle on manual units.
- Always ensure you are setting the proper cycle type for the items you are disinfecting on automatic units.
Unloading
Again, remember to read your specific units Operators Manual before starting any autoclave operation. But general good practices include:
- Remember that there is EXTREMELY HOT STEAM UNDER HIGH PRESSURE! Use gloves and an apron to keep hot steam and liquid from burning you.
- Do Not open the door or remove items from the unit before all pressure is released and everything has had the proper time to cool.
- Be certain anyone in the area of operation knows that the unit is running a cycle, or even if it is still cooling down and shouldn’t be touched yet.
Preparation for Questions
Just know that many people are going to have questions, and you should actually encourage that. The more they know the safer they will feel, but if they ask questions and don’t feel safe from the answers they probable won’t come back. Here are just a few of the questions that they may ask, and that you should be prepared for.
They may ask:
- About your sterilization and safety methods
- To see your tattoo autoclave sterilizer
- To see your tattoo needles or blister-bagged tools
- Or they may even express concern if your tools are no longer in their sterilization tray or pouch.
Remember, even if the questioning can feel invasive, just as you have the right to ask an establishment questions for your safety, so do your clients. They have the right to know that everything is done properly and they are safe in your hands, so always try and be forthcoming and compassionate about it.
And also be reminded that most of them may not have as deep an understanding of the methods or processes that keep your workplace clean and safe as you do, but that’s okay. Any bit of knowledge you can share will make them feel safer. And a shops reputation is built on its customers. The safer they feel the more they are going to both recommend you and also come back.
Final Thoughts
Autoclaves are an extremely important piece of equipment to have and use. A tattoo shops cleanliness is the biggest concern a client will have. Having the proper sterilization in place also helps the shop owner and artists working there. When you know everything is clean and safe it gives you peace of mind which frees you up to concentrate on your work, That way business can go as scheduled and you can produce the highest-quality art possible.
As always if you have any questions about this process or anything else please feel free to contact us and take advantage of our “FREE TECH SUPPORT.”
We also offer FREE VIRTUAL TECH SUPPORT to “See and Talk” with a “Real Time Live Technician” for any problems you may be in need of help with.
You can also use our “FREE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM”. Take the guesswork and worrying about what unit is due for maintenance and which maintenance cycle it is time for. We will keep track of all your autoclaves and let you know when it’s time for anything.
Scican Statim Sterilizers Available Here