From a media release from Renfrew County and District Health Unit:
Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) advises anyone who received a tattoo from a home-based tattoo operation located on Raglan Street South in Renfrew, Ontario to get tested for bloodborne infections such as hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and HIV.
A public health inspector from RCDHU conducted an inspection of the home-based operation after receiving a complaint. The inspection found that the operator was not following proper infection prevention and control procedures for disinfection and storage of the tattoo equipment in accordance with provincial standards.
As a result, there is a risk of exposure to bloodborne infections.
Although, the risk of infection is low, as a precaution, RCDHU is recommending that clients who received a tattoo from the above location undergo testing for HBV, HCV, and HIV through a doctor or nurse practitioner. Call RCDHU at 613-735-8654, extension 555 for assistance if you do not have a health care provider.
At this time, RCDHU does not have any evidence of infections to clients.
RCDHU has closed the home-based tattoo operation as a result of the inspection findings.
RCDHU wants to remind you to go to an inspected tattoo artist if you want a tattoo. You can find out who is inspected by going to https://www.rcdhu.com/inspection-disclosure/ and search for the business, or you can speak with a public health inspector at 613-735-8654, extension 555.
Botz,M. RCDHU (2020,Jan.22) Public Health Investigation of Uninspected Home-Based Tattoo Operation Reveals Possibility of Bloodborne Infection Transmission to Clients [media release]
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