A Southwest Michigan tattoo parlor got its license suspended for unsanitary practices that could have caused the spread of HIV, hepatitis B and, hepatitis C.
The local health department caught Paparazzi Tattoo & Body Piercing of Niles, near the Indiana border, in a series of poor piercing practices, including exposing clients to the blood of other clients, Amy Huschka of the Detroit Free Press reports.
Customers who received piercings to any of the following areas through February should have their blood tested, the Berrien County Health Department recommends:
- Belly button
- Tongue
- Nipples
- Genitals
Authorities allege that the parlor failed to properly sterilize the metal forceps used in these procedures, creating a higher risk for the spread of bloodborne pathogens. Ear and nose piercings are not considered a risk.
The department hasn’t identified any hepatitis or HIV cases.
