Hygienic-microbiological quality of tattoo- and permanent make-up colours

Abstract

In a broad market survey, 145 samples of tattoo-and permanent make-up pigments were bacteriologically analysed. The pigments originated from 39 unopened vials and 106 opened vials in use. The samples were collected from 33 tattoo shops and 22 beauty studios and the analyses were effected by direct plating on four agar media and by enrichment in a non-selective broth. None of the used media could detect all contaminated samples. The best performance was obtained with sheep blood agar (BA), which detected bacterial counts in 7 of 39 (17.9 %) of unopened vials and in 22 of 106 (20.8 %) opened vials. In 12 of 145 samples (8.3 %), bacterial growth was observed in the enrichment broth but not on sheep BA. In most cases, contaminations were in a low range of 10 1 -10 2 cfu / mL. Counts in the range of 10 3 -10 8 cfu / mL were registered in only four samples that were from different tattoo shops and from different manufacturers. Among the 31 bacterial species that were detected in the examined pigments, 20 (64.5 %) belonged to Gram positive rods or to Bacillus or related genera, respectively, 8 (25.8 %) to Gram positive cocci and only 3 (9.7 %) to Gram negative rods. Bacterial agents, known to cause dermal infections, were never detected. Based on the obtained data, a simple risk assessment was made, and microbiological criteria for future legal regulation proposed.Zusammenfassung In einer breit angelegten Marktüberwachung wurden insgesamt 145 Proben von Tätowier-und Permanent-Make-Up Farben bakteriologisch analysiert. Die Farben aus 39 ungeöffne-ten und 106 geöffneten Behältnissen stammten aus 33 Tätowierstudios und 22 Kosmetiksalons. Die Analysen erfolgten durch direktes Ausplattieren auf vier Agarmedien und durch Anreicherung in einem Flüssig-medium. Keines der eingesetzten Medien konnte alle kontaminierten Proben erfassen. Die höchste Positivrate wurde mit Schafblutagar erzielt, der in 7 von 39 (17.9 %) ungeöffneter und in 22 von 106 (20.8 %) geöff-neter Farben Keime nachwies. In 12 von insgesamt 145 Proben (8.3 %) zeigte sich in der Anreicherung ein Wachstum, nicht aber auf Schafblutagar. In den allermeisten Fällen lagen die Kontaminationen im quantitativ tiefen Bereich von 10 1 -10 2 KBE pro mL. Nur bei vier Proben aus unterschiedlichen Studios und von verschiedenen Herstellern wurden Keimzahlen im Bereich von 10 3 -10 8 KBE pro mL registriert. Unter den aus Farben isolierten 31 Keimarten gehörten 20 (64.5 %) zu den Gram positiven Stäbchen beziehungsweise zu Bacillus oder verwandten Genera, 8 (25.8 %)

Microbial status and product labelling of 58 original tattoo inks

“…In total, 49 samples (34%) were contaminated. Seventeen (43.6%) were colours form new and sealed vials and 32 (30.3%) from opened vials 31 . Charnock also found bacteria in unopened and opened stock bottles 29…”

“…Seventeen (43.6%) were colours form new and sealed vials and 32 (30.3%) from opened vials. 31 Charnock also found bacteria in unopened and opened stock bottles. 29 In Denmark, tattoo inks are regulated and labelled in accordance with the REACH regulation of the European Union addressing chemicals in contact with body surfaces.…”

“…Indeed, bacteria have been cultured from previously unopened stock bottles. [29][30][31] In 2001 the Inspectorate for Health Protection, The Netherlands, carried out a survey on the microbiological condition of tattoo-and permanent make-up inks. 30 Eleven samples (18%) were contaminated with microbes.…”

Microbiological survey of commercial tattoo and permanent makeup inks available in the United States

“…(Harp ). In Europe, microbial growth has been observed in 10–86% of unopened tattoo inks surveyed (Charnock ; Baumgartner and Gautsch ; Hogsberg et al . ; Bonadonna ).…”

Classification of Tattoo Complications in a Hospital Material of 493 Adverse Events

“…This is a barrier in the diagnosis and clarification of tattoo complications and their cause. Uncertainty also includes microbial contaminants, which were found in many tattoo ink products labelled "sterile" [14][15][16] . Tattooed individuals are at any time under potential risk of bacterial and viral infections, allergies, and other kinds of inflammatory and toxic events manifested locally or systemically.…”