sterilization
Unless a fully UK certified autoclave is used to sterilize stainless steel tattoo equipment prior to use, stainless steel tips, grips and backstems should not be used with the tattoo machine whilst performing real skin tattoos. Instead, fully disposable tubes should be used, which are factory sterilized by EO gas prior to being sealed in tamper proof blister packaging. The same goes for tattoo needles, which again, are factory sterilized by EO gas prior to being sealed in tamper proof blister packaging.
The only recommended autoclave which meets UK health and safety criteria can be purchased here.
NB. Ultrasonic cleaners DO NOT sterilize, they are used solely for cleaning ink from your stainless steel tattoo equipment after use. After cleaning, all stainless steel tattoo equipment needs to be sterilized in an autoclave prior to re-using on real skin tattoos.
