1. Did you watch the artist open the package?

Instrument sterilization is an essential part of infection control in a shop that reuses equipment.
Although the approach in a medical setting is to decontaminate some instruments and to sterilize others, in the body art setting, it is better to sterilize all reusable instruments that are contaminated with blood, or that have come into contact with mucus membranes, non-intact skin or intact skin. This is the safest approach to prevent spreading disease to clients.
Sterilization is a process intended to kill all microorganisms and is the highest level of microbial kill that can be achieved. It begins with decontamination and ends with the complete destruction of microbial life including highly resistant bacterial endospores.
An autoclave that uses steam under pressure is the recommended sterilization method for use in body art businesses. Liquid sterilants, such as gluteraldehyde, should not be used to sterilize equipment because of potential harm to humans and to the environment.
Wear Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Protect yourself from potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens when handling or cleaning contaminated equipment. It is easier to protect your eyes, face, hands, and arms with appropriate PPE than it is to recover from an accidental biological or chemical exposure.
Pre-soaking
Keeping instruments wet in a holding solution can make the instruments easier to clean and decontaminate. Care, however, should be taken not to let them sit too long. Instruments should not be left overnight in plain water because corrosion and biofilms can develop that make the instruments harder to clean.
Cleaning
According to the CDC and the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), “Cleaning is the basic first step of all decontamination”. In general, there are two approaches; ultrasonic cleaning and hand cleaning.
Ultrasonic Cleaning: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use of the ultrasonic. Use a detergent with a protein enzyme and disinfectant. Disassemble multi-part grips and tubes after ultrasonic cleaning to allow for further cleaning.
Hand Cleaning: Minimize splattering and aerosols by submerging the instruments under water during scrubbing. Rinse the cleaned instruments thoroughly under tap water and allow them to dry before packaging them for sterilization.
Packaging
Use peel packs with color indicators for needles, needle tubes, receiving tubes and most other small instruments. Avoid using thin paper packaging for groups of instruments such as piercing set-ups. Package hinged instruments in an open position.
Sterilization Time
Sterilization requires varying degrees of time, depending on the load, arrangement of items, packaging material, and temperature as well as the type of sterilizing agent. Follow the manufacturer’s directions.
Sterilization Monitoring
A sterilization process cannot be considered effective without consistent monitoring. Sterilization process should be monitored by spore testing the autoclave monthly or more frequently if required by your local health department, and by checking and recording the following parameters:
time, temperature, pressure readings
color indicators on each package
integrator in each load
Sterilization Logs
Remember the job isn’t complete until the paperwork is finished. A sterilization log should be used to record the following:
Run date
Load number
Initials of person running the load
Start and end times
Temperature
Pressure
Actions taken if there is any indication of sterilization failure

Piercing self-care: A piercing can take a few weeks to several months to fully heal, depending on where it is on your body. Follow directions for care from your piercer, or, if necessary, seek medical care. See When to See a Clinician.

Do not touch the piercing. Do not pick at the piercing or jewelry. Your hands carry germs that can cause infection.

Use a warm sea salt-water soak or a mild liquid antibacterial soap used every day to aid healing and prevent infection.

Oral piercings need to be cared for differently than other piercings. Use an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash to cleanse the area in your mouth.

Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol on piercings. These products can irritate the healing tissue.

Do not use antibiotic ointments, gels, or creams on piercings. They can attract dirt and prevent oxygen from reaching the area.

When to see a clinician: If you suspect infection, see a clinician because untreated infections can lead to further problems. Signs of infection include:

Tattoo: redness and burning beyond the normal healing period
Piercing: discharge of yellow or green pus; deep, dark redness that extends from the piercing; swelling; heat at the site; fever
What is scarification? Scarification usually refers to three kinds of body modifications: cutting, branding and braiding. These body modifications can pose even more risks than tattooing and piercing. You should not try these procedures on yourself or others. Cutting or burning too deeply into the skin can cause serious problems. Studios may do certain types of scarification, but there are still serious health risks involved.