Calgary tattoo shop customers may have been exposed to HIV, Hepatitis
- Author:
- The Star
Tattoo parlours need proper sterilization or sanitation processes in place to ensure the health of their customers. NELIETA / DREAMSTIME.
CALGARY — Alberta Health Services says a Calgary residential tattoo operation did not have proper sterilization or sanitation processes in place.
It says anyone who got tattoos at Discount Tattoo (224 7A St. N.E.) by Ryan Kinsella may have been exposed to viruses, including hepatitis B and C and HIV.
Dr. Judy MacDonald, medical officer of health for the Calgary zone, says anyone who had services done at Discount Tattoo can call Health Link at 811 to arrange for testing for the viruses.
AHS ordered the residential operation to close on Jan. 28.
AHS says the order will not be lifted until the operator has addressed all violations noted in the closure order, and is capable of providing tattoo services in accordance with all regulations and legislation in Alberta.
The operator is not permitted to offer tattoo services while the closure order is in place.
“It is the responsibility of all tattoo facility operators, whether residential or otherwise, to ensure all regulations are met and operations are compliant,” said MacDonald.
“This applies not only before opening a tattoo operation, but also while operating, always. Our health inspectors support these businesses to operate safely. We are here as a resource.”
By: The Canadian Press.
