May. 1999 Issue 15

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The Official Newsletter for the Association of Professional Piercers

INSIDE

Lawsuit Over Blood Test

state has laws regarding how long youneed to keep things on file please followthose laws.

The second and better way to insureyou can PROVE that you didn't reuse oruse an unsterile needle is to run an indi­cator strip in every needle autoclave bagyou run. This must then be stapled to theconsent waiver form and signed by the

client. With thismethod you notonly can provethat the needlewas sterilized cor­rectly but also thesecond check thatthe load was ster­ilized properly, theclient will alsohave the batchnumbers on theirsheet too. Thiswill take much Method 2more prep time

when sterlizing your needles but will savetime and money if accusations of diseasetransmission happen to you.

I urge you to look at your own studioand determine for yourself what if anymethod would be best for you.

Erica BodnarPiercology, Office manageradornit@piercology.com

And you ask yourself why is this rel­evant to body piercing? It's not the factthat they were accused of reusing needles,it will become a matter of what documen­tation that they didn't have. As a memberof the APP we all agree that reusingneedles is wrong and have agreed to notreuse them, but what documentationwould you have on file that would hold upin a court of law to prove your innocencein a disease transmission prevention case?If a lab can get accused of disease trans­mission, don't you think a piercing stu­dio could as well? There are two easyways you can prove that you used a ster­ile needle and not an unsterile one, (al­ways start with a needle purchased froma reputable manufacturer).

The first method you can use is tomark the out­side of yourneedle auto­clave bag withthe batch num­ber of your au­toclave run.You then needto mark theload number ofthe needle you

Method 1 used on the cli-

ent on their consent waver form and keepthat record for at least two years. If your

- (PALO ALTO) -- A woman in Palo Alto claims she contracted Hepati­tis-C while getting a blood test. She's suing the technician who took theblood as well as the Smith-Kline Beecham lab where the test took place.The technician is accused of re-using needles.

By Howard 1. Worman, M. D.

The Hepatitis C Virus (HCY)

HCY was discovered in 1989 by in­vestigators at Chiron, Inc. Portions of theHCY genome were isolated by screeningcDNA expression libraries made fromRNA and DNA from chimpanzees in­fected with serum from a patient withpost-transfusion non-A, non-B hepatitis.[Prior to the discovery of HCY, hepatitisfollowing blood transfusion that was notcaused by hepatitis A or hepatitis B wasreferred to as non-A, non-B hepatitis]. Toidentify portions of the genome that en­coded viral proteins, the libraries werescreened with antibodies from patientswho had non-A, non-B hepatitis. Theseinvestigators went on to show that the vi­rus they identified was responsible for thevast majority of cases of non-A, non-Bhepatitis. They called the new virus hepa­titis C virus (HCY). Subsequently, thecomplete genomes of various HCY iso­lates were cloned and sequenced by sev­eral groups.

HCY is a positive, single-strandedRNA virus in the Flaviviridae family. Thegenome is approximately 10,000 nucle­otides and encodes a single polyproteinof about 3,000 amino acids. Thepolyprotein is processed by host cell andviral proteases into three major structuralproteins and several non-structural pro­tein necessary for viral replication. Sev­eral different genotypes of HCY withslightly different genomic sequences havesince been identified that correlate withdifferences in prognosis and response totreatment.

Hepatitis C

Despite the discovery of HCY bymolecular biological methods and thesequencing of the entire genome, a per­missive cell culture system for propagat­ing HCY has yet to be established. A non-

Hepatitis CFlash SterlizationHepatitis A testNickel in Foods

168

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Studio ReviewSatin AftercareNeedle Stick ChartBenifits of Membership

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TUE APP WEBSITE The PointCopyright © 1999. All rights reserved.

Dr. Jack Ward

APP Board MembersGahdiEUis

Steve Joyner

Bethera Szumski

Brian Skellie

Elayne Angel

AID

Outreach Coordinator

International Liason

Medical Liason

President

Vice President

Secretary

Treasurer

The Association of Professional Piercers goalis to circulate vital health, safety and educationalinformation to the piercing industry. The Pointis a copyrighted under federal law. Any repro­duction of it's contents is prohibited unless writ­ten permission is obtained.

Any material submitted for publication will besubject to editing. The Point cannot guaranteereturn of any such materials unless accompa­nied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

The Point is not responsible for claims madeby advertisers. We reserve the right to rejectadvenising which is unsuitable for our publica­tion.

If you wish to advertise, and would like aspecification sheet please contact:

Pat McCarthy614-297-4743Fax 614-297-6855e-mail adornit@piercology.com

on the site, having a classified section,the APP selling merchandise on line, andmore.

We are interested in hearing ideasfrom you as to what you what features youwould like the website to have. Pleasecontact any board member and give themyour ideas. We will keep you informedas to the progress of the site but look forit to be up and running in the next monthor so!

Over the last couple months the APPwebsite www.safepiercing.org has notbeen up and running like it should. Theboard will be making changes to thewebsite, as well as hiring a website coor­dinator to completely redo the site andupdate it on a regular basis. Another dutyof the website coordinator will be to con­tinually keep us updated on all the searchengines, to better serve the piercing com­munity world wide One of the reasonswhy it is so important for the board hirea coordinator is the board members comeand go and the coordinator needs to sayin-touch with the site all the time. A web­site is a very integral part of all organiza­tion these days and the APP is no differ­ent

The website will have many of the oldfeatures like: members list, the bulletinboard will be up running, links to ALLAPP members, as well as all the infor­mation about our organization. Someother ideas we are thinking about include:adding a chat line, having paid advertising

Sponsored by:

Eclipse Ink,lnc.www.eclipseink.com

For more information or to recieve a brochure:7615 Aurora Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103Email ald@eclipseink.comorald@wolfenet.comPhone 206·706·0333 or 706-3333

Professional ProgramInsurance Brokerageis THE ONE insuringBody Piercing, Tattoo

and PermanentCosmetic Industries.

Professional ProgramInsurance Brokerage

5 Commercial Boulelvard.Suite 100

Novato. CA 94949Phone: 41 5-884-4664

Fax: 415-884-4660email: www.tattoo-ins.com

CA license #OB 17238/

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3

primate animal model also does not ex­ist. As a result, the production of specificdrugs against HCV has been impeded al­though excellent diagnostic methods forhave been developed.

Risk Factors for HCV Infection

Approximately 4,000,000 people inthe United States are infected with HCY.The virus is transmitted primarily byblood and blood products. The majorityof infected individuals have either re­ceived blood transfusions prior to 1990(when screening of the blood supply forHCV was implemented) or have used in­travenous drugs. Sexual transmission be­tween monogamous couples is rare butHCV infection is more common in sexu­ally promiscuous individuals. Perinataltransmission from mother to fetus or in­fant is also rela!ively low but possible(less than 10%). Many indiv iduals in­fected with HCV have no obvious risk fac­tors. Most of these persons have prob­ably been inadvertently exposed to con­taminated blood or blood products.

Consequences of HeV Infection

About 85% of individuals acutely in­fected with HCV become chronically in­fected. Hence, HCV is a major cause ofchronic (lasting longer than six months)hepatitis. Once chronically infected, thevirus is almost never cleared withouttreatment. In rare cases, HCV infectioncauses clinically acute disease and evenliver failure, however, most instances ofacute infection are clinically undetect­able.

cirrhosis is concurrent alcohol abuse. Cer­tain findings on liver biopsy can also behelpful in predicting a relatively benignor progressive course. Viral genotype mayalso playa role. Additional research is ur­gently needed to identify host factors thatare important in determining prognosis inchronic hepatitis C.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of chronic hepatitis Cis made by history, serological testing andliver biopsy. Most patients with chronichepatitis C will be asymptomatic or havenon-specific symptoms such as fatigue.In some individuals, the diagnosis will besuspected from the results of blood testsobtained for other reason (usually eleva­tions in the serum alanine and aspartateaminotransferase activities).

Individuals suspected of havingchronic hepatitis C include: Those withsymptoms of chronic liver disease Thosewith risk factors such as past or currentintravenous drug use or blood transfu­sions prior to 1990 Those with abnor­mal laboratory tests suggesting liver dis­ease

Such individuals should be tested forthe presence of serum antibodies againstHCY. The presence of anti-HCV antibod­ies in a person with a risk factor or evi­dence of liver disease strongly suggeststhe diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C. Theabsence of anti-HCV antibodies generallyrules out the diagnosis. Tests for HCVRNA in blood should be done in those

individuals with anti-HCV antibodies toconfirm the diagnosis and in the rare pa­tient who does not have anti-HCV anti­bodies but in whom the diagnosis is stillstrongly suspected on clinical grounds.After making the diagnosis, a liver biopsyis usually indicated to assess the degreeof liver inflammation and fibrosis and thepresence or absence of cirrhosis.

Treatment

At the present time, type I interferonsare the only drugs approved in the UnitedStates for the treatment of chronic hepa­titis C. All patients with chronic hepati­tis C should be evaluated by a specialistfor possible treatment with these agents.In general, adults less than 70 years oldwith evidence of active inflammation onliver biopsy and without advanced cirrho­sis are good treatment candidates. Indi­cations for treatment of patients with verymild disease (e. g. normal serum ALT ac­tivity and no inflammation on biopsy) areless clear. Such individuals should be con­sidered for possible participation in clini­cal studies. Patients with advanced cirrho­sis secondary to hepatitis C should bereferred to a liver transplantation center.

Most patients with chronic hepatitisC respond to treatment with type Iinterferons. However, most patients re­lapse (have inflammation again) whentreatment is stopped. Patients who re­lapse should be considered forretrealment or for participation in stud­ies of experimental antiviral drugs.

83-84 85-86 87-88 89-90 91-92 93-94 95-96

Chart shows that needle stick infection is low but real.

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Reported cases of acute hepatitis C by selected risk factorsUnited States, 1983-1996

A major problem in discussing prog­nosis in patients with chronic hepatitis Cis that it is difficult to predict who willhave a relatively benign course and whowill go on to develop cirrhosis or cancer.One fairly clear factor for progression to

The natural history of chronic HCVinfection can var" dramatically betweenindividuals. Some will have clinically in­significant or minimal liver disease andnever develop complications. Others willhave clinically apparent chronic hepati­tis. Of these, about 25% will go on todevelop cirrhosis. About 20% of individu­als with hepatitis C and cirrhosis will de­velop end-stage liver disease. Cirrhosiscaused by hepatitis C is presently the lead­ing indication for orthotopic liver trans­plantation in the United States. Individu­als with cirrhosis from hepatitis C are alsoat an increased risk of developing hepa­tocellular carcinoma.

4

5

To Flash or Not to FlashOver the past year or so, there has been

discussion within the piercing commu­nity as to the appropriateness of flashsterilization. Flash sterilization is the pro­cess by which instruments are sterilizedin a specially designed autoclave whichuses an on-board compressor to speed upthe heating of the autoclave chamber,thereby achieving sterilization param­eters in a shorter period of time. Oncesterilization parameters are reached, theactual exposure time is drastically de­creased; typically 3 minutes.

Proponents of flash sterilization typi­cally cite three main advantages to flashsterilization: ability to easily perform asterile technique, reduction in timeneeded for processing of equipment, andreduction in cost; equipment can be ster­ilized "raw", eliminating the need for ster­ilization packaging.

In recent months we have been con­sidering moving towards a flash steriliza­tion system for a number of reasons. Theidea of being able to sterilize equipmentimmediately before a procedure was ap­pealing. Also, the idea of being able toreduce supply overhead was quite invit­ing. As we perform an aseptic technique,and would never claim to perform a ster­ile one, this was not an issue for us.

One source of information we used inthe course of our research was the Cen­ter for Disease Control web site, wherewe came across a document entitled"Guidelines for Prevention of SurgicalSite Infection, 1999". While we are notimplying that the wound created by apiercing is as severe or as prone to infec­tidn as that created by surgery, we did findthe information quite interesting.

In the document, there was a sectionwhich addressed flash sterilization.

" During any operation, the need foremergency sterilization of equipmentmay arise (e.g., to reprocess an inad­vertently dropped instrument). How­ever, flash sterilization is not intendedto be used for either reasons of conve­nience or as an alternative to purchas­ing additional instrument sets or to savetime. Also, flash sterilization is not rec­ommended for implantable devices be­cause of the potential for serious infec­tions.

Flash sterilization is not recom­mended as a routine sterilizationmethod because of the lack of timelybiologic indicators to monitor perfor­mance, absence of protective packagingfollowing sterilization, possibility forcontamination of processed items dur­ing transportation to operating rooms,and use of minimal sterilization cycleparameters (i.e., time temperature,pressure). To address some of these con­cerns, many hospitals have placedequipment for flash sterilization in closeproximity to operating rooms and newbiologic indicators that provide resultsin to J to 3 hours are now available forflash sterilized items. Nevertheless,flash sterilization should be restrictedto its intended purpose until studies areperformed that can demonstrate com­parability with conventional steriliza­tion methods regarding risk of SSJ. "

Through the use of indica­tor strips in each piece of ster­ilized equipment, an integratorin every autoclave load, andweekly spore testing, you canestablish a system ofeffective,documentable, sterilizationchecks and balances.

The issue of contamination duringtransportation would be easy enough toaddress in a piercing studio: simply lo­cate the flash sterilizer within close prox­imity to the piercing room. However, carewould still have to be taken to preventcontamination of the items, just as caremust be taken not to contaminate wrappedinstruments. The issue ofappropriate bio­logic monitoring (spore testing) is still aconcern.

Through the use of indicator strips ineach piece of sterilized equipment, anintegrator in every autoclave load, andweekly spore testing, you can establish asystem of effective, documentable, ster­ilization checks and balances. By using astandard autoclave, multiple pieces ofequipment can be run at once, allowingfor appropriate monitoring. Dependingupon the size of the autoclave, you can

6

run enough equipment for 10-24 proce­dures in one load.

Given the small nature of the cassetteused in a flash sterilizer, and the need forrunning instruments unwrapped, to utilizethe speed of flash sterilization, a new loadwould need to be run for each piercingprocedure. Obviously, at even a remotelybusy studio, this would require manyloads to be run in the course of one day.Spore testing would need to be done sev­eral times per week, if not daily, to ap­propriately monitor the autoclave, giventhe number of loads which must be run.

Another part of our research involvedtalking with Frank Piscioneri, CLPNIORT, manager of Central Processing andDistribution at South Point Hospital inCleveland, OH. Mr. Piscioneri had this tosay about the use of flash sterilization: "Iconsider flash sterilization to be an un­necessary and inappropriate form of rou­tine sterilization, considering the alter­natives that are readily available. Flashsterilization utilizes the absolute mini­mum parameters for sterilization, pre­senting the potential for serious infec­tion. Even though flash sterilization isused in some hospitals, it is used on astrictly emergency basis, and is not a rec­ommended practice in most cases. Evenwhen it is used, we utilize specially de­signed packs and run the load for at least5 minutes, as opposed to 3 minutes, whichis the standard cycle for flash steriliza­tion."

While we are not performing surgeryin a piercing studio, we are still trying toachieve the most effective, most reliableform of sterilization. It would seem thatflash sterilization presents the possibil­ity for too many unknowns and potentialproblems. In the course of researchingflash sterilization systems, we formed theopinion that the risks involved in its usefar outweigh the potential benefits.

Derek LoweAPP MemberBody Work Productions, Inc.2710 Detroit Ave.Cleveland, OH 44113(216) 623-0744piercr@earthlink.netwww.bodyworkprod.com

Board meets in Atlanta Tee Shirts for SaleBy Steve Joyner

On March 7th 1999 the Board of Di­rectors met in Atlanta,GA. for the Boardmeeting. Attending were Steve Joyner(Vice President), Brian Skellie (Trea­surer), Bethra Szumski (Secretary),Elayne Angel (Outreach Coordinator),Dr. Jack Ward (Medical Liaison), AI D.Sowers (International Liaison), and GahdiElias (President) on the speaker phone.We met at Piercing Experience(Brian

Skellies studio) at 6:30pm and the meet­ing was called to order at 6:45pm. Wediscussed the up coming conference, Website, Bi-Iaws, Financial Status, "ThePoint", Membership Applications, Leg­islation Information Committee, andStandardization.

The meeting and the weekend waseventful and over all prosperous. TheBoard is VERY motivated and ready forany comments you have so please con­tact us and let us know what you think.

TheAPPnowhas on saleboth theold tee shirtdesign and anew design.Shirts will be on sale at the conferenceor can be purchased for $15.00 plus 3.00shipping. Addition cost for shirts sizesover XL. Contact Pat McCarthy atPiercology, if you are interested, 614­297-4743.

Body Work Distributors, Ltd.

Exclusive U.S. Distributors of Cold Steel and Barbarella Jewelry

316L Implant Grade Surgical Steel, 18kt Gold, 925 Silver, Acrylic, Jewelled Set, Bronze, PTFE, BuffaloHorn, Bone, Titanium and Niobium Jewelry

Clamps, Ring Opening Pliers, Ring Closing Pliers

Hours: Monday - Friday 11 :OOam - 7:00pm ESTPhone: (216) 623-0744 FAX: (216) 623-0745

E-Mail: BodyWDist@aol.com2710 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44113

Closed May 17-21, 1999 for APP Conference - See ya in Vegas!

7

There are a number of reasons whycross advertising make sense:* It cost less* Saves time* It shows unity* Lends credibility

Next time you are thinking about plac­ing a ad, or a new ad campaign, think aboutcombining the ad space with another stu­dio and reap the benefits !!

CrossAdvertisingOne of the best ways to stretch your

advertising dollar is to combine advertis­ing. If you have other APP members inyour state, city, or region, combine ad­vertising with them. The ad below wasplaced by David Vidra at a fetish fantasyball held in Cleveland. The event was largeenough that people from all over the statewould attend, so it made sense to sharean ad.

If your studio only pierces and youhave a good rapport with a tattoo only stu­dio then you have a great match for somegreat combine advertising.

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The Modern Piercers NIGHTMARE

8

9. What percentage of Americanshave evidence of past infection

22%33%44%66%

8. When was the hepatitis A vaccineintroduced in the United States:

1971198419961998

7. How many cases of hepatitis A arereported each year in the US.

27,00052,00078,000143,000342,000

6. Complete recovery can take:One monthThree to six monthsSix to twelve months

5. On the average, acute symptomsof hepatitis A last for:

Five weeksA few daysA weekTwo months

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3. Symptoms of hepatitis A include:JaundiceNauseaAbdominal painDiarrheaAll of the above

4. Vaccination against hepatitis B alsoprotects against hepatitis A:

True False

2. Using a condom protects againsthepatitis A:

True False

This quiz will test your knowledgeof Hepatitis A. The answers will be inthe next Point.

1. Hepatitis A is transmitted through:SalivaBloodFecal matterSemen or vaginal fluid

Ask the Mayo Dietitian - Nickel in foods!

Food Group Allowed Aviod

Meat/fish Meat, poultry, eggs and Shellfish (shrimp,fish except salmon oysters, mussels), salmon

Dairy Products Butter, cheese, milk, Noneyogurt, margarine

Vegetables Aspararagus, beets, Canned vegetables,broccoli, brussels Also, beans (green,sprouts, cabbage, brown, white), sprouts,cauliflower, corn, kale, leeks, lettuce,cucumber, dill egg- peas (including splitplant, mushrooms, peas), spinachparsley, peppers,potatoes

Fruits Peaches, pears, raisins, Canned fruits, figs,rhubarb, all other pineapple, prunes,berries Butter, cheese, raspberriesmilk, yogurt, margarine

Grains Rice cereals, Buckwheat, millet,cornflakes, refined oatmeal, wheat branwheat products includ- products (whole wheating pasta, white bread, breads and cereals),white wheat flour, multigrain breadspopcorn, white rice

Drinks Coffee and tea (not Chocolates and cocoastrong and in modera- drinks, tea fromtion), soft drinks, dispensersalcohol

Miscellaneous Yeast Nuts (almonds, hazel-nuts, peanuts, sun-flower seeds); sweetscontaining chocolatemarzipan, licorice;baking powder; lentils;linseed; soy powder;vitamin/mineralsupplements containingnickel, fiber tabletscontaining wheat bran

Note: there is limited data on nickel content of foods. The above list isbased on known values, and reports from scientific literature

I ran across this question at thought itwas very interesting. Could what ourpiercing clients eat also effect if they aregoing to have alergic reactions to the jew­elry we use? If your clients watchedfoods that were high in nickel would theyhave less of a chance of have a reactionand maybe heal quicker. I think this needssome further investigation and you willbe hearing more about it in later Point is­sues.

Q. I've just been to the doctor for asevere skin rash and was diagnosed with anickel allergy. I've been told to not wearnickel or eat foods that contain nickel. Iknow not to wear, but I've never heard ofa nickel-free diet.

A It's estimated that as many as 1in 10 women and 1 in 50 men have con­tact dermatitis from exposure to nickel.It's been recently reported that the inci­dence of nickel allergies is on the rise.

It's thought that this increase may bepart due to the increasing popularity ofbody piercing, which creates an initialopen wound that may be an avenue fornickel-containing metals in jewelry toenter the body.

In sensitive people, the reaction canvary from a simple red rash that goesaway after removal of the offending metal,to swollen blisters that don't heal forweeks.

People with nickel allergy shouldavoid contact with metals that containnickel. This may include jewelry, metalon clothing (hooks, zippers), coins, keys,personal items (eyeglass frames, pens,lipstick holders, ect.), doorknobs, handleson drawers and cabinets, kitchen utensilsand pots and pans. Ask your doctor orpharmacist where you can purchasenickel-testing kits to determine whichitems should be removed and replaced.

There is a debate among experts aboutthe extent to which nickel in foods canprovoke allergic reactions. A nickel-re­strictive diet may be prescribed forpeople especially sensitive to nickel. It'sgenerally recommended that the diet befollowed for 1 to 2 months. If good re­sults occur, small amounts of food con­taining nickel may be introduced to seewhether tolerance may be reestablished.

In addition to the above list, nickel­sensitive people should be advised of thefollowing:

The first quart of water taken from thetap should not be consumed or used infood preparation because nickel may bereleased from pipes.

Replace nickel-plated utensils. Stain­less steel pots and pans may be used, butavoid using them to cook acidic foods,which may cause nickel to be released.

10

Although low in nickel, the followingfoods can aggravate nickel dermatitis:beer, wine (especially red wine); herring,mackerel and tuna; tomato onion and car­rot (cooked forms may be tolerated),apples and citrus fruits and their juices.Limit or avoid these foods during acuteepisodes of rash.

"Reprinted from MayoClinic HealthOasis, March, 1999, with the permissionof the Mayo Foundation for medical Edu­cation and Research, Rochester, MN,USA

Studio ReviewBody Work Productions, Inc.

General InformationBody Work Productions, Inc. has

been in business for 6 years and just cel­ebrated our second anniversary at our cur­rent location.Public Areas

Lobby: This area has a couch andseveral love seats for those waiting. Thearea is cleaned each morning before open­ing and several times a day. Smoking is al­lowed in this area, but a HEPA filter isused.

Jewelry/Counter area: This area iswhere all jewelry is displayed and peoplehelp customers with release forms andjewelry selection This is disinfected withMadaCide many times throughout the dayand immediately if contamination doesoccur. To address the issue of potentialcross-contamination at the counter area,there are signs displayed asking clients notto touch their jewelry or place it on thecounter. Several pumps of antiseptic handgel are used at the front counter in theevent clients do touch their jewelry orpiercings. Portion cups are used to holdjewelry brought into the studio. Jewelrythat has been previously worn is placed ina portion cup with a red dot on it to denotea biohazard.

Restroom: The restroom is acces­sible to both clients and staff. It is cleanedin the morning before opening and at leastonce throughout the day. The bathroom islocated at the back of the studio, anotherbathroom, located closer to the main cli­ent area would be desirable.

Piercing Rooms 1,2 and 3All piercing rooms are cleaned thor­

oughly every morning before opening. Allrooms are exceptionally well-lit. A softer,more subtle lighting would be nice in someinstances. Each room is equipped with amedical cart, with a stainless steel top, forstorage of piercing supplies, a mayo stand,exam table, HEPA filter and floor lamp. Ahook is supplied for client's coats andpurses. A small shelf of some kind wouldbe useful for placing client's items that cannot be hung up. A hand-washing sink islocated in each roomand is equipped withan infrared sensor. In addition, a wall­mounted biohazard spill kit is used in eachroom in the event of a spill. All jars usedfor storage of disposable piercing supplies

are replaced with a freshly sterilized jaronce they become empty. Lids for jarsthat still have supplies in them are ster­ilized on Mondays, Wednesday and Fri­days. In addition, "thermo" jars that holdhemostats for retrieving supplies fromjars are sterilized each day. Generaltrash cans, a wall-mounted container forbiohazard trash, a wall-mounted sharpscontainer and the shelf holding a trayfor contaminated equipment are locatedtogether.

We regularly here comments suchas,"This is cleaner than my doctor's of­fice." Such statements are definitely atestament to the cleanliness of thepiercing rooms, but the clinical feel canbe a bit intimidating. One of our mostrecent additions is the installation of amusic system into the piercing rooms.Each piercing room has speakers in theceiling as well as an independent CDplayer to provide music for the client'sand piercers. This also allowscustomer's to bring in their own music.

Sterilization RoomPerhaps one of the most unique

things about Body Work Productions isour sterilization room. We currentlyhave a full-time sterilization technicianwho processes all equipment and jew­elry. Having a dedicated room andsomeone to handle the majority of thesterilization duties does allow ourpiercers to spend more time focusingon piercing. One downside to this, froma business point of view, is that it doesincrease the overhead for sterilizationa fair amount.

Piercing StaffWe regularly examine our proce­

dures to find ways to improve them andreduce the likelihood of cross-con­tamination. The use of individually ster­ilized piercing trays for every piercingdrastically reduces the likelihood ofcross-contamination. It allows for to­tal and distinct separation of each partof the piercing process. Some wouldcall the range of piercings we do "con­servatiVe" and would consider us a bittoo cautious when determining what isor isn't appropriate anatomy for pierc­ing. It is not uncommon for us to tumaway 3 or more piercings a day, due toanatomical reasons.

Counter StaffCounter staff is well-versed in ap­

propriate jewelry gauges and styles for

11

each piercing. They consults with pierc­ers on a regular basis regarding jewelry.Piercers always have final say on jewelryis used. Problematic piercings and assess­ments are always handled by piercers.Counter staff undergoes training regard­ing appropriate materials for use in pierc­ings and with regarding to different metalproperties. A binder containing mill cer­tificates is readily available for viewing byclients and staff alike.

JewelryWith the exception of a few specialty

pieces that are for healed piercing, all jew­elry, from 16ga on up is internally threadedjewelry. All jewelry is disassembled, ul­trasonically cleaned, dried and individu­ally sterilized. Acrylic jewelry is disin­fected for 10 minutes in an alcohol-freedisinfected. Jewelry is inspected for flawsbefore it continues in the sterilization pro­cess.

Miscellaneous Items1. There is an employee break area, at

the back of the studio. It would be nice tohave this area totally separated from anyarea clients are in, but space constraintsprevent that. The office area is separatedfrom client traffic. In the basement of thestudio there is a storage room where allstock of piercing and sterilization relatedequipment is kept. This area is organizedto ensure rotation of stock of ensure in­tegrity of supplies. When I first came tothis studio, as a guest piercer, one of thethings that impressed me the most was thelevel of documentation. All items whichare sterilized in-house, have an indicatorstrip in their autoclave packaging. The in­dicator strip is labeled with what the pieceof equipment is, the date it was sterilizedand the initials of the person who pack­aged the piece. All indicator strips aresaved as they are removed from the pack­aging during the piercing process. Thestrips are then attached to the client's re­lease form once the piercing is complete.This, along with integrators run in everyautoclave load and weekly spore testing(with all appropriate documentation), en­sures there is never a question regardingthe equipment used for a piercing.

I hope this has supplied an overviewof studio without "tooting our own hom"too much. Again, I would encourage an in­dependent review of our studio.

Derek LoweBody Work Productions, Inc.

PRESIDENT'S CORNER-_-9Jdt &Ua4Many changes have occurred on the

Board of Directors over the past fewmonths. There are five new Directors nowserving. I would like to congratulate thenewest elected Boardmembers, Presidentelect, Pat Mcarthy, and International Li­aison elect, April Williams. As I make myexit, I feel confident that the currentboard of directors will function enthusi­astically, creatively and efficiently, bring­ing a renewed energy and interest in theAPP.

In writing this final note as presidentof this organization I can't help but pauseand survey the land behind and the land outahead of us. From my vantage point Iwould like to leave you with six predic­tions about the future of the piercing in­dustry.

1) Following the lead of the APP it isreasonable to expect that we will see anoticeable increase by all professionalpiercers to meet or exceed minimum stan-

dards of health and safety. And as healthand safety concerns become standardpractice for professionals in this indus­try we will be able to focus more fullyon further development of the art andritual of what we do.

2) Those of us who have been aroundawhile have seen tremendous growth ofthe last decade in this industry but it nowappears that the hey day of our growth inurban areas around North America hasstabilized. In the near future we will seethe large urban shops need to focus oncustomer service and the quality of ex­perience provided.

3) However I predict that we see con­tinued growth in rural areas throughoutthe U.S. for another 1-2 years.

4) In all areas the focus from Pierceeswill be on value and quality of service,safety and the piercing experience, ratherthan availability and price. The evidencefor this is seen in the attributes of some

of the most successful piercers fromaround the country.

5) As we move into an era of agingbaby boomers I predict that rather thanless regulation, we will see more andregulations from government that willeffect this industry throughout most ofthe United States and in Europe as well.

6) As we see more regulation I pre­dict that we will see less interest in ex­treme piercings. I predict that facialpiercings will be a standard body adorn­ment for everyone in western culture asit has been in all other parts of the worldfor thousands of years.

I would like to say it has been a plea­sure serving the community, as we are acommunity and this is so very importantto remember. "Together we stand dividedwe fall".

Gahdi EliasOutgoing, President,Association of Professional Piercers

SatinThere is a product that has been on the

U.S. market since 1968 that just mightinterest you. It was the "First Non-ToxicAntimicrobial Cleanser". Some have heardof the product and even some have usedthe product but most of us do not knowthe profile of "Satin".

"Satin" is a synergistic blend combin­ing cationic and ionic surfactants withemollients to promote natural turgor andprevent dryness, scaling and irritation.Eliminates the formation of free radicalsat the dermal surface as well as reducingrisk of dermal infection. Broad spectrumantimicrobial action addresses gram­negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria,yeast, and fungi. It's active ingredient isChloroxylenol 0.8% and has no Triclosanin the product. This product has beenproven to eliminate the growth in E-coli,Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococ­cus epidermidis, and Staphylococcusaureus. "Satin" was designed as a thera­peutic skin cleanser and can be used inwounds safely to treat and prevent topi­cal infections. Also has a 6.8pH balanceso that it will not irritate sensitive skin.

This product is from Care-TechLaboratories and you can find out moreinfo. on www.caretechlabs.com/or bycalling at 800.325.9681. Let them knowthat the APP sent you.

Steve Joyner

CARE-TECH ANNOUNCES NEWANTIMICROBIAL TECHNOLOGY

Saint Louis, Missouri - Care-TechLaboratories is pleased to introduce SatinAntimicrobial Skin Cleanser formulatedto prevent skin breakdown and controlnosocomial infection. Satin is excellentfor usage in geriatric skin care programs,treatment of venous stasis ulcers in dia­betic patients, cancer patients, HIV andfor Sjorgren's Syndrome. The product'sbroad spectrum antimicrobial action al­leviates the risk of cross-contaminationin healthcare environments.

Satin is, a synergistic blend combin­ing cationic and ionic surfactants withemollients which promote natural turgorand prevent dryness, scaling, and irrita­tion. Satin prevents the formation of freeradicals at the dermal surface.

The product elicits a clinical responseon atopic dermatitis within 24 hours,Satin will aid in the reduction of skinodors and maladies of diabetic patients,the AIDS patient, and other patients withcronic disorders. Inhibits the growth ofgram-negative and gram-positive micro­organisms which are causative factors inskin breakdown and infection. Satin canbe used in clinical treatment protocol forpsoriasis and staph infections of a topi­cal nature and daily treatment of foot odor.

12

The Point,working for you!

In an on-going effort to increase thestandards of ALL studios. A new additionto the Point will be an article or chartdealing with how to increase the stan­dards of your studio or meet local or Fed­erallaws.

One OSHA requirement is to have aneedle stick procedure chart posted inevery piercing room or where needles areused. On this chart it is required to havea step by step instruction on what you doin the case of a needle stick.

On the next page is a chart. We rec­ommend that you read this chart, copy it,laminate it and place it next to yourhandwashing sinks and in the piercingrooms.

You should have EVERY piercer readthe chart, sign it and place a copy in theiremployee file, this is also an OSHA re­quirement.

We hope you find this helpful and con­tinue to read the Point for further infor­mation.

NEEDLE STICK PROCEDURESOON AS THE NEEDLE STICK OCCURS

SECURETHE NEEDLEC REMAIN CALM)

• Excuse yourself. If with a client, reassure them that everything isOK. If necessary, call in another piercer or employee to assistthe client.

• Remove the glove immediately and wash with soap and water.Milk the fluids around the puncture in an outward motion. Thisshould be done for at least a full minute.

• Splashes to the nose, mouth, or skin should be flushed with water.

• Eyes should be irrigated with clean water, saline, or sterileirrigants.

• Dry the area and bandage the puncture with a bandaid.

• You may wish to ask the client their health status. Be profes­sional and non-judgmental. Let the client know that they are notthe one at risk, you are.

• Review the accident and think about what went wrong. Focusand remember what can be done more safely next time.

• Report it to your supervisor and fill out the appropriate paper­work.

Benefits of APP MembershipThe mission of theAPP is to circulate vital health, safety and educational information for the professional piercing industry.

What is the APP?• Is an international nonprofit, educa­

tional, health and safety organization.• is dedicated to the dissemination of

information about body piercing• is a voluntary organization concerned

with the practice of body piercingis a membership of piercers who meetminimal guidelines.

PhilosophyThe benefits of the APP are:• body piercing is a social institution

that provides significant services andmeets evolving social needs.

• a body piercer should use knowledge,judgement, and skills based on sci­ence

• body piercers must act ethically andresponsibly and be accountable forquality service

• minimal guidelines provide a meansof accountability

• research creates a foundation for ad­vances in body piercing

• piercers must assume responsibilityfor there continued education

• the organization is committed to en­abling piercers to meet this responsi­bility

• standards of body piercing practice,interactive collaboration, and appro­priate use of information enhancesbody piercing practices.

Why should Ijoin?Very importantly, you will have the sup­

port of other professionals in your field.You will get backing ofthe industry's onlyprofessional organization, and access toall of the knowledge gained by its mem­bers over time. You will have contact witha network of like-minded professionalswho have skills and information to share.You will gain the recognition due to youfor upholding appropriate standards andhelping to advance professional piercingas a safe, respectable, and reasonable en­deavor. You will have the peace of mindthat comes from knowing that you are do­ing things the right way.

Face it: The better you are at what youdo, the more opportunity you will have todo it. If people have a pleasant piercingexperience, heal well without infections,

and feel that you are a competent and car­ing professional, they wi)) te)) theirfriends. That's good for business. It's awin/win situation.

GoalsThe primary goals of the APP are to

organize professional piercers, unite mem­bers, and provide education, representa­tion, and quality standards for body pierc­ing.

What are the benefits tomembership in the APP?

Procedural ManualThe APP procedural manual provides

an overview of basic guidelines and indepth piercing safety suggestions. In acombined effort of the professional pierc­ing community. (Non-members may pur­chase the Procedural Manual.)

A website which includes:• Member piercers listed by name and

location.• Links to piercing friendly doctors• Links to worldwide legislation relat-

ing to body piercing.• The Point, APP's newsletter, on-line• Discussion Bulletin Board (BBS)• Resource listings, and more.

"The Point" APPNewsletter includes

• Letters from reader• Information on technique, after care,

new products and jewelry• Legislation and business news

Articles and charts that will help yourstudio pass OSHA and any state regu­lations you may have.

14

A handsome Membership Certifi­cate to hang on your wall.

Membership requirementsof the APP.

Members are encouraged to demon­strate responsible body piercing and pro- ­mote accepted health, safety and ethicalissues. Members must meet the organi­zations criteria for membership and paymember dues. Membership dues are usedto promote the APP's educational en­deavors in support of piercers, clients andmedical professionals.

Applicants must provide high qualitycopies of the following:1. A business license and business card

showing that the applicant piercers outof a legitimate business.

2. Proof that the applicant has been pierc­ing professionally at lease one full year.(A notarized statement, dated businessdocument, or newspaper article are ex­amples of appropriate proof.)

3. A copy of current First Aid/CPR certifi­cation (annual renewal required).

4. A photograph of the applicants auto­clave with make, model and serial num­ber, printed on the reverse side.

5. The most current copy of the spore testresults from the applicant's autoclave,monthly spore testing is required.

6. A "walk through 360 degree video" ofthe applicants entire facility, includingstore front, foyer, piercing room(s),biohazard area, sterilization area,restrooms, inside storage drawers,closets, etc.

7. Copies of all release forms and aftercaresheets in use at the applicants studio.

S. One or more samples of applicant's ad­vertising

9. Completed Questionnaire, preferablytype written. For a copy please call.

One completed application per piercer isrequired. Membership must be renewedannually. We have recognized however theneed for other classes of membership. Weare currently establishing guidelines forthese new types of memberships. Wehope to announce these guidelines at theMay conference. We hope you will joinus both at the conference and as newmembers.

Association of Professional PiercersThe Point872 N. High St.Columbus, OH 43215

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STANDARDUS Postage

PAIDColumbus, OFPermit #5823

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stick with us.pie rei n g nee die set c ...

5colony street ste.403 meriden,ct 06450 tele 203.235.2884 fax 203.235.3633 www.isneedles.com sharp@isneedles.com