14/01/2018
by Science Editor
Sterile! Why is it so important that the water used to dilute pigment is
sterile?
▼ Continue Reading ▼
Title: |
Cutaneous Mycobacterium massiliense infection from tattooing: a common yet
under-reported and persistent epidemic hazard for dermatologists.
|
Abstract: |
Among tattoo complications, non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) has emerged as a
global public health concern. NTM infections associated with tattooing of
immunocompetent individuals have occurred as sporadic cases and community
outbreaks. Water sources are considered the major pathogenic reservoirs.
Tattoo-related inoculation has been linked to contamination of ink, either
during the manufacturing process or during dilution of black ink using
non-sterile water.
The authors report a case of cutaneous Mycobacterium massiliense infection
following tattoo placement. This report underscores the importance of clinicians
to consider NTM infections in the differential diagnosis of procedure-related
reactions.... |
Industry Significance Rating: |
High - Industry alert, report has major implications related to health and safety.
|
Publication: |
BMJ Case Reports - 12/01/2018. |
Authors: |
Velez L, Harb J, Anuszewski S, Wesson S. |
Links: |
Article Link |
Link to Publisher |
Search Google for Sources & Quotes |
Discussion: |
There have been instances of industry members advocating the use of distilled
water for the dilution of tattoo pigment, distilled water is not sterile and may
contain a range of micro-organisms and other contaminants, previous studies have
shown that pathogenic organisms such as Burkholderia pseudomallei can survive in
distilled water for as long as 16 years and cause cause life threatening
infections, Mycobacterium are also capable of causing extremely serious
infections and systemic illnesses.
|
Recommendations: |
Where possible technicians should avoid diluting and or compounding pigments unless absolutely necessary, if required tattoo pigments should only ever be diluted with sterile water/saline/pigment dilutant
and care should always be taken to prevent contamination of pigments during use.
Single use or smaller bottles of sterile pigment should be preferentially
selected to minimise the risk of contamination during reuse.
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Keywords: |
Scientific Report, non-tuberculous, mycobacteria, contaminated water, non
sterile, infection, pathogen
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The
Education Team here at
CTshop.com.au keeps a close eye on the scientific and medical literature for new publications relating to cosmetic and medical tattooing that may be of interest to
customers. The intent is to alert industry members to important publications within the literature to expand the knowledge base particularly in relation to high impact reports.
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CTshop.com.au does not host this publication on our server we merely provide an overview with links to the publisher, the authors and their publisher hold copyright to the actual article.