Skin Penetration Guidelines

Abstract

Acts of skin penetration have been performed throughout the world since man first learned how to manipulate sharp objects. The result has been the development of activities that are performed for medical, religious, cosmetic and cultural reasons. The multicultural nature of Australian society has seen the spread of these activities such that many are considered normal. How many people have submitted to ear piercing, or tattooing or less visibly, acupuncture? Skin penetration activities, however; are not just widespread, they are also heterogeneous and this complicates their control and more importantly their infection control. The Skin Penetration Guidelines exist to provide performers of skin penetration with safe methods to prevent the transfer of infection.