[Tattooing dyes and pigments contaminated with bacteria].
BACKGROUND
Obtaining a tattoo has become increasingly popular in recent years. However, the degree to which tattooing represents a health risk in the form of infections is still a matter of debate. The aim of the present study was to investigate the microbial content of tattooing dyes and pigments (colourants).


METHODS
Microbes present in colourants used for tattooing were counted and identified using standard techniques and rapid identification systems.


RESULTS
Seven of in total twelve colourants contributed by five studios contained bacteria. No fungi were found. Three solutions contained more than 10 8 bacteria/ml, chiefly aerobic, Gram-negative rods including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. No primary pathogens were found, however, the high colony counts found for some samples may represent infectious doses of a wide range of bacteria.


CONCLUSIONS
Although required by current regulations to be sterile, a number of colourants were highly contaminated with bacteria. The detection of bacteria in colourants necessitates a review of the studios' internal control procedures. In addition, the appropriate monitoring body should initiate testing of colourants in order to ascertain if these are contaminated at the time of purchase, or become so during use.
Charnock
Colin
C
Avdeling for helsefag, Høgskolen i Oslo, 0167 Oslo. colin.charnock@hf.hio.no
D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000635:transmission; D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D009664:Norway; D010860:Pigments, Biological / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013653:Tattooing / Q000009:adverse effects*
D004396:Coloring Agents; D010860:Pigments, Biological