• Always insist that you see your tattooist remove a new needle and tube setup from a sealed, sterilized envelope immediately prior to your tattoo.

• Always make sure your artist puts on a new pair of disposable gloves before setting up tubes, needles and ink supply.

• Satisfy yourself that the shop furnishings and tattooists and piercers are clean and orderly in appearance, much like a medical facility.

• Feel free to question the tattooist or piercer as to any of his/her sterile procedures and isolation techniques. Take time to observe them at work and do not hesitate to inquire about their experience and qualifications in the tattoo or piercing field.

• If the tattooist or piercer is a qualified professional, they will have no problem complying with the standards above and beyond these simple guidelines.

• If the artist, piercer or studio does not appear up to these standards or if they become evasive when questioned, seek out a professional establishment.

A good professional tattoo shop will adhere to the strictest of guidelines set forth by the Alliance of Professional Tattooist, The Association of Professional Piercers, The American Red Cross and OSHA.

Urban Art Tattoo & Piercing is certified by all of these entities. We also hold a certificate of completion of the Universal Precautions, Blood Borne Pathogens course as prescribed by OSHA.