The ONLY acceptable means of sterilization in the tattoo & piercing community is by Autoclave or by Gamma Sterilization. An ultrasonic cleaner is a MUST! There is no excuse for a studio not to have an ultrasonic available to all its' employees at all times. Only ultrasonically cleaned and then sterilized instruments should be used. All Autoclave bags have a distinguishing mark on the backside that will turn a dark color when the item inside is sterile. Ask your artist to show this to you. Products used during your tattoo or piercing should be single use and disposed of immediately in a bio-hazardous container. The tattoo studio should also have a contract with a medical waste disposal facility to dispose of all contaminated waste, and be able to provide certification upon request. Ours hangs on the outside of our Bio-hazardous room.