Cross Contamination Nightmare

Have you ever watched a demonstration for a service like microblading or micro-needling and just looked with horror at the the cross contamination nightmare that's unfolding before you eyes? Yeah, so have we...

What's The Problem?

In this day and age when somebody can sue you for just about anything, we should be extra diligent about making sure we are avoiding all possible contamination to our clients, our equipment and ourselves. But, shockingly, I see it all the time.

In esthetics, micro-needle pens not covered, or serum bottles being used during treatment that are being held by gloved hands that are contaminated with bodily fluids, serums being dropped onto the skin with the applicator touching open skin. Reusable silicone masks being used during BB Glow treatments, after the skin had been broken. In permanent makeup; tattoo trays covered in bloodied gauze with pigment bottles sitting next to the dirty gauze, or lack of covering on the tattoo pen itself. Seriously, I could go on and on. The very thought of that is disturbing.

When we open the skin, even if you do not see red blood, we are still exposing our clients, our equipment and ourselves (and family) to harmful pathogens that can easily be transferred when we are not careful. It's scary stuff when you sit down and really think about it. But here's the thing, we are exposed to all kinds of nasty bacteria and viruses, ALL the time. It's part of the human experience. It doesn't mean we should suit up in disposable gowns, ready for the operating room, it just means that we need to be extra vigilant when it comes to our services.

When setting up supplies for the treatment you're about to offer, make sure that all the supplies you will need, are on your tray. Literally everything you place on that tray should be disposable, including the dental bib the supplies are sitting on (makes for super easy cleanup!). If you're doing more than just a basic facial and you're going to be needling, cover that pen and use disposable bed sheets. Put your serums in a medicine cup and apply the serums with a sterile swab so you can throw that shit away when you're done with it!

Can you imagine the legal headache and destruction of your business if a client were to contract something because of lazy cleanup and disinfection? It's just not worth taking the chance, especially if it could mean ending your career when you have worked so hard to build it up.

Most places will require you to have taken some form of bio-hazard and blood borne pathogen certification class. If you are a tattoo artist or permanent makeup artist, or even a medical professional, you've probably already taken that class. But, if you are in aesthetics or haven't yet take a class, go ahead and look for one online. Most of these classes are cheap and don't take very long to complete, usually around 4 hours or less. If you're going to invest in anything, that would be a great start.

What kind of changes can you make to your business right now that could make your services, safer? We challenge you to take a good look at your treatment room and supplies and see what you can do. Even if you just give your supplies an extra wipe down with some Cavicide!! Until next time friends,

Bianca