autoclave

what's the autoclave for if you're tattoo artist is using pre-sterilized neddles, tubes, etc.? just a question of interest.

well i understand your question so i hope you understand my answer even though i buy pre made sterilized needles i still run them through my autoclave its like me saying to you hey man no worries its safe you dont know me from adam so i do it for my own peace of mind and SAFETY as far as disposable tubes i use stainless steel tubes and break them down clean them and reassemble them put a needle bar in the pouch with the tubes and sterilize them both together its just a better safety precatioun for all and should be done in my opion (good question)

If a shop is using "absolutely nothing" but pre-packaged, pre-sterilized supplies, then there is no reason for an autoclave. This is probably more common in the piercing area. And I would not re-autoclave an item that is packaged in a purchased sterilized package. A lot of pre-sterilized items have been sterilized by either Cobalt irradiation, or EtO validated sterilization processes. Similar to the sutures doctors purchase from Johnson & Johnson. Their packages may not be designed for steam sterilization, and steam may actually have an adverse affect on the packaging. You don't want to take that chance. The pre-sterilized supplies must be used within the sterilization expiration date. And there should be a lot number and expiration date on the package. They should never be used past that expiration date because that is the time period they have been validated for. I'm not that familiar with exactly how the tattoo process goes, so bear with me. But if the studio is using "re-usable" skin piercing or abrasive items that can puncture the skins protective layer, and if these are being used on subsequent customers, then they must be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized before they are re-used. That is the main purpose of the autoclave in a tattoo/piercing studio. That is also why reputable studios routinely spore strip test their sterilizers. If they aren't spore strip tested, then there is no way to ensure they are deactivating all the bacteria and viruses for the next customer. Sterilization is serious business that protects the health and safety of people desiring a tattoo or piercing.

One comment about erlich's posting. If he verifies that the "pre-sterilized" packages that he purchases are acceptable to be "re-autoclaved", then I think he is demonstrating a lot of concern for his customers and his sterile studio. And that's the kind of guy I would want running the sterilization process if I went in for a tattoo. Secondly, I like the way he packages his items together in the same package prior to sterilization. I'm new on this website, but erlich has gotten some education on sterilization somewhere.