Guide To Avoiding A.I.D.S. Released (Press, 29 July 1987)

On 29 July 1987, the Health Department in Wellington announced that it is revising its guidelines for individuals who work with blood or are likely to be exposed to HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The acting manager of health protection, Mr John Stephenson, indicated that the updated guidelines would be released soon. He mentioned the necessity of modifying procedures as new insights and experiences, especially from overseas, continue to emerge regarding AIDS. These guidelines are particularly aimed at professionals who handle blood and blood products, such as doctors, nurses, acupuncturists, and tattooists, to ensure their safety and help prevent the transmission of AIDS. Tattooist Mr Roger Ingerton, who has been in the profession for 18 years, highlighted the existing health department recommendations, which advise tattooists to clean any cuts and instruments using 70 per cent alcohol. Additionally, it is suggested that tattoo dyes should be sourced from collapsible tubes to prevent contamination. However, Mr Ingerton added that he has more advanced sterilisation methods at his disposal. He utilizes an ultrasound machine and an autoclave — a sterilisation device that uses steam under high pressure — to maintain cleanliness. He clarified that he has not altered his sterilisation methods in light of HIV, stating that his primary concern has always been Hepatitis B due to its high infectiousness. Mr Ingerton identified as one of potentially only ten professional tattooists in New Zealand. He noted the difference in practices among individuals who perform self-tattooing, expressing concern about their use of rusty needles and nails. Despite these practices, he remarked that infections are surprisingly rare, citing only one reported case of hepatitis B linked to tattooing. Mr Bill Logan, a spokesman for the AIDS Support Network, confirmed that there are no known cases of AIDS transmission associated with tattooing. He explained that while transmission could theoretically occur if blood from an infected person is left on a tattoo needle and subsequently used on someone else, the likelihood is extremely low due to the minuscule amount of viral particles that would be present. Mr Logan reassured that simple sterilisation methods, such as heating the needle or soaking it in chlorine or Janola, would render the equipment safe. Overall, the Health Department is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of those in the medical and tattooing professions in the face of the evolving understanding of HIV and AIDS.

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