TATTOOS & BODY PIERCINGS
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS, UPDATED 2026
Procedures and Preparation
1. What is the first step that should be taken to prepare a patron's skin? The
area must be thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution (like green soap or
alcohol). If shaving is necessary, a new disposable razor must be used for each
patron.
2. What is the required temperature for sterilizing needles in an autoclave?
The temperature must reach 250°F (121°C), maintained at 15 pounds of pressure
for at least 25 minutes.
3. What date is significant for the exemption of work chairs? Studios in
operation prior to 1962 were often granted exemptions regarding specific color
requirements (white) for work chairs, provided the chairs were kept in a sanitary
condition.
4. Why is it important to use a new set of needles for each patron? To prevent
the transmission of bloodborne pathogens (such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and
Hepatitis C). Once a needle touches a patron, it is considered biohazardous waste.
5. What specific records are required before starting? A permanent record
must be kept for each patron, including their name, age, address, the date of the
procedure, the design/location of the tattoo, and the name of the artist. Many
jurisdictions also require a signed consent form.
Materials and Sanitation
6. What must be done with materials applied to human skin after each use?
Materials such as stencils, wipes, and leftover ink must be discarded immediately.
They are single-use only and cannot be reused on another person.
7. Describe the protocol for re-sterilizing unused materials. If sterilized
instruments are not used within 30 days, they are no longer considered sterile and
must be re-packaged and re-processed through the autoclave.
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS, UPDATED 2026
Procedures and Preparation
1. What is the first step that should be taken to prepare a patron's skin? The
area must be thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution (like green soap or
alcohol). If shaving is necessary, a new disposable razor must be used for each
patron.
2. What is the required temperature for sterilizing needles in an autoclave?
The temperature must reach 250°F (121°C), maintained at 15 pounds of pressure
for at least 25 minutes.
3. What date is significant for the exemption of work chairs? Studios in
operation prior to 1962 were often granted exemptions regarding specific color
requirements (white) for work chairs, provided the chairs were kept in a sanitary
condition.
4. Why is it important to use a new set of needles for each patron? To prevent
the transmission of bloodborne pathogens (such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and
Hepatitis C). Once a needle touches a patron, it is considered biohazardous waste.
5. What specific records are required before starting? A permanent record
must be kept for each patron, including their name, age, address, the date of the
procedure, the design/location of the tattoo, and the name of the artist. Many
jurisdictions also require a signed consent form.
Materials and Sanitation
6. What must be done with materials applied to human skin after each use?
Materials such as stencils, wipes, and leftover ink must be discarded immediately.
They are single-use only and cannot be reused on another person.
7. Describe the protocol for re-sterilizing unused materials. If sterilized
instruments are not used within 30 days, they are no longer considered sterile and
must be re-packaged and re-processed through the autoclave.
