TATTOO PARLOUR HIV WARNING

SkyNews ^ | 08/27/03 | Staff Writer

[bedolido]

Customers of a tattoo parlour in Scotland are being warned they may have contracted the HIV virus and other diseases after visiting the shop.

A health warning has been issued after environmental officers revealed a lack of sterilised equipment when they inspected the parlour.

Now, anyone who visited Boxer's Tattoo Studio, Sinclair Street, Helensburgh, between May 27 and August 13, are being advised to see their doctor for blood tests.

Health officials in Argyll and Bute said recommended sterilisation equipment had not been present when environmental health officers visited the studio earlier this month.

The equipment had been present during a previous visit in May this year.

A helpline has also been set up by the health board to give advice on how to be tested.

Dr Catherine Chiang, consultant in public health medicine for NHS Argyll and Clyde, said: "While the risk of contamination of any infection is low, blood borne viruses such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV may be passed on, if equipment is not correctly sterilised.

"Anyone who has had a tattoo at the studio should call the help-line for advice on obtaining precautionary screening tests.

"It is standard practice to contact clients who may have been exposed to potentially infected equipment.

"People may not feel ill in the early stages of the blood borne virus infection, however such infections can cause ill health in the longer term.

"Early diagnosis of infection may be of benefit to the individual and his/her contacts."

The prohibition notice which was placed on the parlour was lifted after the proper sterilised equipment was installed.

The free-phone help-line is 0800 783 5066 and is open between 10am and 10pm.

Last Updated: 19:19 UK, Wednesday August 27, 200