Hello, my name is Amanda and I am 18 years old.

I got my nose pierced about 3 weeks ago.
The parlor I went to is a tattoo and piercing parlor.
My friend went with me and she said she saw the man open the needle out of a new package...but they can reseal the package cant they?

Im scared I might have Hepatitis C....could I?
Is Hepatitis C and the other hepatitis's very deadly?

Please help me!!!
Thanks and GOD BLESS!!!

Not sure where you are from, but it is my understanding that the US tattoo parlors are far safer than many foreign countries.

From what you have shared with us so far, you sound pretty safe. If you continue to be concerned, you can always be tested to put your mind at ease. Check with your doc

Unfortunately, there is no way to tell whether a tattoo parlour is safe or not. Same for manicure and pedicure places.

The basic reason is that the fluids that are used to "sterilize" the equipment that cannot be autoclaved is not approved on the basis of studies using PCR technology on HCV but, rather, guidelines under old EPA studies using hepatitis B as a marker.

A clean needle used for a piercing is far less risky than the false sense of security that is promoted by using a new needle in a tatoo parlour. There is far more to getting a clean and safe tattoo than simply the use of a new needle. For more on this, read through testimony (affidavit of R. Haley on website below my name) from a trial in Texas, where the laws are the most stringent in the US, where the judgement against the tattoo parlour was $550.000.

In California, for example, they haven't even registered the tattoo artists, nevermind the lack of standards or enforcement. Pretty much the same for every state that allows tattooing.

I hope this helps,

thanbey

hepatitis c outreach project
www.hcop.org

...all information is intended for general information and is not an attempt to speak to the specifics of any one person's medical situation or decision...........

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