Processing Devices
Read about FDA processing guidance
Disposable wrap
Can unused wrapped items be re-sterilized reusing the original wraps?
Returning explants to patients
In developing a policy on the return of explants to patients [or previously worn body jewelry to clients] there are many concerns and issues that need to be considered and addressed.
Sharpies for labeling
“Most Sharpies have not been validated for industrial usage or for use in the sterilization conditions. There are a couple of Sharpie markers that do conform to the ASTM standard D4236 which means the product has been evaluated by a toxicologist for acute and chronic toxicity and the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) identifies ingredients as presenting any chronic health hazard, along with safe use instructions. The pens that bear the AP seal with the notation “conforms to ASTM D4236″ (see right) are the markers that may be used for labeling your packages.”
SciCan STATIM G4 Installation instructions
How to set up your new Statim G4 autoclave by SciCan
JHU Infection Prevention Guidelines for Healthcare Facilities with Limited Resources
Links: Some educational infection prevention materials for body artists
OPTIM 33TB details
A bit more detail about OPTIM 33TB cleaner disinfectant
Learn about sea salt
Have you ever visited a salt evaporation pond? It was enough to dissuade me from any desire to put unrefined sea salt in an open wound.
Glass as a material for body jewelry
Among jewelry materials for initial piercing, glass deserves a closer look.
Understanding the hazards of handling and mixing chemicals in the studio
Understanding the hazards of handling and mixing chemicals is essential to safe use.
Preventing complications: When sterile gloves are necessary
Body art procedures can benefit from sterile-barrier precautions, even if they are not as complicated as modern surgical procedures.
Sterile Gloves first in 1897 by W Z Manteuffel
The surgeon who first advocated sterilized gloves
Hand Hygiene — NEJM
Hand Hygiene — NEJM. Complete with interesting video Hand Hygiene Yves Longtin, M.D., Hugo Sax, M.D., Benedetta Allegranzi, M.D., Franck Schneider, and …
useful info on antimicrobials
http://www.fightgermsnow.com/ A useful collection of scientific studies on antimicrobial use in clinical and home settings.
Useful links for further reading on the subjects of instrument processing and sterilization
For brevity, I suggest that you use all sterile disposable single use items, however if you are to reprocess used instruments: Classes …
World Standards Day at BMXnet
I am teaching Biomaterials standards for body art at the BMXnet conference in Essen, Germany this month for World Standards Day, the celebration of …
Nonconforming Imported Titanium
This is a follow up to the presentation the FDA made to my ASTM International committee on nonconforming imported titanium. It should have met ASTM F136 for surgical implants, however the Quality Systems at the mill that melted it were inadequate. More information from the FDA and a bit of legal analysis.
Titanium standards: why not G23?
Please stop referring to body jewelry materials by overly vague and inappropriate standards. Using the term G23 for body jewelry materials is too superficial, and is not an implant standard.
Skin antiseptics for piercing preparation
I miss the idea of a single non-staining, non-toxic agent that Techni-Care represented for skin preparation, and have been trying other options. Here is some further information, a fun presentation, and some links
New Statim guide for body artists
Request For Comments
Please stop sterilizing Q-tips
Sterilized swab sticks are more convenient and less expensive to purchase than to prep yourself.
Study finds biofilm on externally threaded body jewelry
A study inadvertently proves that externally threaded jewelry can harbor bacterial colonies in biofilm.
Noticed a smell after using OPTIM 33TB?
Clean shouldn’t smell like anything at all…
Transdermal piercing re-purposed for medical use
A curious and hopeful article about a transdermal implant modified for a practical palliative use.
In brief: A surgeon saw this type of mod at a piercing studio when taking his children to have their ears pierced, and made a version for helping patients swallow.
SciCan U | Handwashing
We all know how important washing your hands can be- this guide can serve as a helpful review
