What have you heard about tattooing in prison? The clandestine role of hearing aids in the risk of bloodborne virus transmission
Huan Jian Sia A C and Michael Levy A BA Justice Health Services, ACT Health, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
B College of Medicine, Biology and Environment, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: michael.levy@act.gov.au
Healthcare Infection 20(1) 36-37 https://doi.org/10.1071/HI14032
Submitted: 15 September 2014 Accepted: 27 October 2014 Published: 28 November 2014
Abstract
This report outlines the illicit use of hearing aid batteries as a power source for illicit prison tattooing. We advocate for the introduction of regulated tattoo parlours in prisons so as to minimise the risks of conflating important health interventions with risk activities and minimising the risks of bacterial or viral transmission.
Additional keywords: bloodborne viral infection, harm reduction, HCV, prisoner health, skin penetration guidelines, tattoo.
References
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