ATTN: Have you gotten a tatoo from Desiree Starzyk ?

[Arn?Narn.]

Unapproved mobile tattoo operation closed; all clients require testingFebruary 2, 2011
LETHBRIDGE – Alberta Health Services (AHS) has shut down an unapproved mobile tattoo operation run by Lethbridge resident Desiree Starzyk.

Individuals who received tattoos from Desiree Starzyk are advised to be tested for viruses that can be spread through unsanitary tattoo procedures. Lethbridge public health officials were alerted to this individual’s mobile tattoo operation through a complaint from the public.

“This individual’s mobile tattoo operation did not have proper sterilization processes in place and was in violation of provincial health regulations. People who received tattoos from Desiree Starzyk may have been exposed to viruses such as Hepatitis B and C, and HIV,” says Dr. Vivien Suttorp, Medical Officer of Health, AHS South zone.

“To prevent the spread of infection from one person to another, equipment used in tattooing, piercing and other procedures where the skin is broken must be sterilized or be a single-use item,” says Dr. Suttorp. “Operators must also prove to public health inspectors that they have all the proper documentation.”

Simple blood tests can determine whether an individual has been infected. Anyone who received tattoos from Desiree Starzyk should contact the Lethbridge Community Health Centre at 403-388-6666 to arrange for testing.

Tattoo facilities are accountable to the Alberta Public Health Act under the Personal Service Regulations and Health Standards and Guidelines for Tattooing. The public is also encouraged to ask the operator for a copy of the facility’s most recent Health Inspection Report.

To confirm that a tattoo, piercing, or related facility is inspected and approved, call AHS Environmental Health in Lethbridge at 403-388-6690.

For general health information about tattoos and piercings, call HealthLink Alberta at 1-866-408-LINK (5465). See the attached backgrounder for tips on selecting a safe tattoo/piercing facility.

Alberta Health Services is responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than 3.7 million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

Health Advisory

[just_dave]

That is just nasty.

[Jamie]

Mobile Tats and economical street walkers..
Never a good idea

LOLOLOLOLOLOL

Jamie

[The Fisherman Guy]

Like Sushi from a vending machine, mobile tattoo shops are more than likely deadly!

[So Nova *!%]

If you want a fight to end all fights it is the one that pits "scratch(scab) artists against apprenticed tattoo artists.
I have 7 scratch tattoos six are my own design, with my own home made gun.
I have done Tattoo's for friends (many Many years ago) and seriously considered going pro
this is a route more than a few of the best artists took to get started.
However if you want to run a legitamate business you need to be above reproach, that said hope buddy gets his business back up and running. Who would'nt want a service that came to the front door?

[Grizzly Adams]

If you want a fight to end all fights it is the one that pits "scratch(scab) artists against apprenticed tattoo artists.
I have 7 scratch tattoos six are my own design, with my own home made gun.
I have done Tattoo's for friends (many Many years ago) and seriously considered going pro
this is a route more than a few of the best artists took to get started.
However if you want to run a legitamate business you need to be above reproach, that said hope buddy gets his business back up and running. Who would'nt want a service that came to the front door?

The only way anybody gets to poke my body is if they are medically qualified.:D Why do people think tattoos are so wonderful? They're for life and the grossest thing that comes to my mind is a fat chick, with a butt crack tattoo, that flashes every time she takes a step. :lol:

[CaberTosser]

The explosion of the popularity of tattoo's over the last 6-10 years has really
made me rethink the 'coolness' factor of them. Everyone and their dog have them, so many are cliche. It's like a pop culture fad such as Britney Spears or Pokemon cards, but once the novelty has faded there's still that inked reminder of what you once thought was cool staring back at you. Some ink I see does impress, but it's few and far between with all of the trend lemmings diluting the pool.

[NaeKid]

My first tattoo was from a guy in his kitchen.

It was also his first tattoo that he ever ink'd on anybody.

Today, he is regarded as one of the best tattoo artists in North America and today, he organizes Calgary's Tattoo Expo. I am proud to wear his first ever piece of work and have since also had him put a few more on me.

I would have no problems with a roving tattoo-artist putting ink into my skin, but, I guess that I am a different-sort, eh?

[GeoTrekr]

My first tattoo was from a guy in his kitchen.

It was also his first tattoo that he ever ink'd on anybody.

Today, he is regarded as one of the best tattoo artists in North America and today, he organizes Calgary's Tattoo Expo. I am proud to wear his first ever piece of work and have since also had him put a few more on me.

I would have no problems with a roving tattoo-artist putting ink into my skin, but, I guess that I am a different-sort, eh?

... but if you were his first, the equipment was still clean... :)

In all seriousness, I agree with most of your premise; just have to be careful and do your homework.

[Sooner]

Well when we are all in the old folks home we will have first hand opinions on wether the people who got them when they were young are glad they did or wished they didnt. My generation has seem to gone nuts with getting tattoo's.

[chasingtail]

Now that over half of 20 somethings have tattoos is it still longer cool to have one? I think they look horrible on women.

[Grouse Assassin]

LOL yea if somebodys going to tatoo my body i better see some proof that **** is sterile. IMO thats one hell of a gamble getting tat's from "some guy in a kitchen" or some chick that shows up at your house with a fisher price tatoo kit and recomended by some thrillbilly down at the top hat lol :snapoutofit:

[mooseknuckle]

The only way anybody gets to poke my body is if they are medically qualified.:D Why do people think tattoos are so wonderful? They're for life and the grossest thing that comes to my mind is a fat chick, with a butt crack tattoo, that flashes every time she takes a step. :lol:

The difference between people with tatoos and people with out is that people that have em don't care that you don't.

[Arn?Narn.]

The issue has nothing to do with it being a "mobile" unit. I think that's pretty alright.

The issue is that the equipment was not sterile.

does anyone not understand this???

I have a tattoo, It's a Rolling Stones Logo Tongue with spikes coming out of it. I remember the day I got it, the minutes, the drive in to Edmonton, the Drive back home to Jasper, getting out of the shower and seeing it in the mirror.

It is a postcard of a summer that I will never forget. A summer I grew up. A summer I realized what I was all about and wasn't about.

My friend has a dolphin tattoo on her leg becuase, and I quote "dolphins are pretty"

This thread isn't about how great or crappy the idea of tattoos are, ...

It's about a buch of people who now need to get tested for Hep C and HIV because some loser drives around in their van giving tatoos without taking proper precautions.....

[Tundra Monkey]

Bwwwaaaaaa....I got my only tattoo the old fashioned way.... from a big biker lookin' dude in Great Falls named Zane. Graduation present to myself......had too many rings that I never wore. Made me come back the next day sober....something about not being able to sign the waiver when you can't see it and bleeding too much. Still bled lots the next day anyway but I wasn't drunk so it hurt.

One of the worst pains I've ever felt. Everyone said the outline would be the worst, pfffft, slept through that. Now when he started doing the colouring it was like he was digging around with a red hot needle.

Secondary note....do not do a 21hr drive from Great Falls to Yellownife with a freshly tattoo'd arse.

It's paid for itself many times over for beer in the bar.....but if I could have one day back this one would be a contender. It would cost a lot more than a beer to unveil it on here let me tell you. I know it made Coldredneck think twice about a two man tent..........ya gotta know my personality :)

tm

(that's some scary stuff happening.....that would not be a fun test to wait for the results of)

[alpineguy]

the only way anybody gets to poke my body is if they are medically qualified.:d why do people think tattoos are so wonderful? They're for life and the grossest thing that comes to my mind is a fat chick, with a butt crack tattoo, that flashes every time she takes a step. :lol:

x200!!!!!!!

[tractor1971]

Nothing more of a libido deflater than an overweight 35+ girl with a tattoo on the lower back, or a long stem rose (previously just a rose) on the chest. It remains a permanent ugly ink spot that fades with time. Look at older folk with tattoos-most try to hide the faded impression of "whatever" they put on years ago. Like all behaviour, this is a fad that will happen in cycles of a few years apart.

[Fisherpeak]

My gorgeous 22 year old daughter has tattoos all over her arms,sleeves they are called.I hate them,makes her look like an idiot.And it makes it hard to get employers to hire you.And all the friggen piercings don`t help.Why such a pretty girl would want to disfigure herself is beyond me.

[Gilly]

well picking a tatoo artist is liking picking an outfitter. choose wisely lol. I only have one but tatoos on the right women are awesome! I love women with tatoos lots of em. Now their are lots of women who dont have them that are just as beautiful but variety is the spice of life JMO.

[vinny]

Wow. Pretty judgmental group. Can't say as I would ever be inclined to say my kid looked like an idiot. I have a sleeve devoted to my heritage in memory of my grandfather, and my son's name. Don't think I'll ever tire of that one, but if I did I guess that would be my concern.

[FishBrain]

I have lots of tattoos, working on a sleave myself that will be my family tree.
All places I have been are sterile. This roaming tattoo van is a great idea, but to not be clean sux. I am picky about who gets to draw on my body, only because I was a guinea pig for my brother.
I also have some body piercings, but I stay away from the whole face thing.

[Neil Waugh]

Here are a few more.

February 10, 2010
Unapproved tattoo parlours closed; all clients require testing
CALGARY – Following the closure of seven unapproved home-based tattoo and piercing
parlours in the Calgary-area, Alberta Health Services (AHS) is recommending that individuals
who received tattoos and/or piercings at any Calgary-area home-based or mobile parlour be
tested for viruses that can be spread through unsanitary tattoo and piercing procedures.
“To prevent the spread of infection from one person to another, equipment used in tattooing,
piercing and other procedures where the skin is broken must be sterilized or be a single-use item,”
says Dr. Judy MacDonald, Deputy Medical Officer of Health, AHS-Calgary. “The home-based
parlours closed by AHS did not have proper sterilization processes in place, meaning individuals
who received tattoos or piercings through these operations may have been exposed to viruses
such as Hepatitis B and C, and HIV.”
Simple blood tests can determine whether an individual has been infected. To arrange for this
testing, individuals who have received tattoos or piercings at any home-based or mobile parlour
should call HealthLink Alberta at 403.943.LINK (5465) or toll-free at 1.866.408.LINK (5465).
HealthLink can also provide advice to anyone with concerns about tattooing or piercing.
AHS public health officials were alerted to these unapproved parlours through complaints from the
public. The investigation into such operations is ongoing, and more closures are expected in the
coming weeks.
“This is an unfortunate situation and an important reminder that people considering a tattoo,
piercing or similar procedure must do their homework before they select a particular facility,”
says Dr. MacDonald. “We have strict health and safety standards in place, and only those
facilities that meet these standards are approved for these types of procedures.”
To confirm that any Calgary-area tattoo, piercing, or related facility is inspected and approved,
call AHS-Calgary Environmental Health at 403.943.2288. All closure orders issued by AHSCalgary
are posted online at:
www.calgaryhealthregion.ca/publichealth/envhealth/healthinspections.htm.
People are also encouraged to ask the tattoo or piercing operation for a copy of the facility’s
most recent Health Inspection Report.


Which begs the question if someone gets Hep from a self inflicted tat with a dirty needle,should the taxpayer pay for them for the rest of their lives?
Or should it be "yer on yer own, baby.!!"
Just askin'?

[WCTHEMI]

Here are a few more.

February 10, 2010
Unapproved tattoo parlours closed; all clients require testing
CALGARY – Following the closure of seven unapproved home-based tattoo and piercing
parlours in the Calgary-area, Alberta Health Services (AHS) is recommending that individuals
who received tattoos and/or piercings at any Calgary-area home-based or mobile parlour be
tested for viruses that can be spread through unsanitary tattoo and piercing procedures.
“To prevent the spread of infection from one person to another, equipment used in tattooing,
piercing and other procedures where the skin is broken must be sterilized or be a single-use item,”
says Dr. Judy MacDonald, Deputy Medical Officer of Health, AHS-Calgary. “The home-based
parlours closed by AHS did not have proper sterilization processes in place, meaning individuals
who received tattoos or piercings through these operations may have been exposed to viruses
such as Hepatitis B and C, and HIV.”
Simple blood tests can determine whether an individual has been infected. To arrange for this
testing, individuals who have received tattoos or piercings at any home-based or mobile parlour
should call HealthLink Alberta at 403.943.LINK (5465) or toll-free at 1.866.408.LINK (5465).
HealthLink can also provide advice to anyone with concerns about tattooing or piercing.
AHS public health officials were alerted to these unapproved parlours through complaints from the
public. The investigation into such operations is ongoing, and more closures are expected in the
coming weeks.
“This is an unfortunate situation and an important reminder that people considering a tattoo,
piercing or similar procedure must do their homework before they select a particular facility,”
says Dr. MacDonald. “We have strict health and safety standards in place, and only those
facilities that meet these standards are approved for these types of procedures.”
To confirm that any Calgary-area tattoo, piercing, or related facility is inspected and approved,
call AHS-Calgary Environmental Health at 403.943.2288. All closure orders issued by AHSCalgary
are posted online at:
www.calgaryhealthregion.ca/publichealth/envhealth/healthinspections.htm.
People are also encouraged to ask the tattoo or piercing operation for a copy of the facility’s
most recent Health Inspection Report.


Which begs the question if someone gets Hep from a self inflicted tat with a dirty needle,should the taxpayer pay for them for the rest of their lives?
Or should it be "yer on yer own, baby.!!"
Just askin'?

We pay for health care for people that eat themselves into health conditions, so do we need to ask the same question for them too?

[calgarychef]

I know someone who got AIDS from a tatoo....can you imagine going through something like aids just for a stinkin tatoo?? I gotta agree with the poster who said his daughter looks like an idiot, I'd say the same thing about mine if she did that.

[Fisherpeak]

I know someone who got AIDS from a tatoo....can you imagine going through something like aids just for a stinkin tatoo?? I gotta agree with the poster who said his daughter looks like an idiot, I'd say the same thing about mine if she did that.

You should see the face piercings,she looks like she fell on a grenade.Lips,eyebrows,ears(all over,maybe 7 each ear),tonge,nose.I shudder to think where else they are.
She`s gonna be real stupid looking when she gets to be 50.I blame it on her mother,after we split up she got our 3 year old daughters ears pierced.I came partly unglued,you don`t mutilate babies for Christsake.

[Arn?Narn.]

You should see the face piercings,she looks like she fell on a grenade.Lips,eyebrows,ears(all over,maybe 7 each ear),tonge,nose.I shudder to think where else they are.
She`s gonna be real stupid looking when she gets to be 50.I blame it on her mother,after we split up she got our 3 year old daughters ears pierced.I came partly unglued,you don`t mutilate babies for Christsake.

and the real motivation behind the story comes out....

[Fisherpeak]

and the real motivation behind the story comes out....

Excuse me???????

[So Nova *!%]

Fisher I agree whole (hole )heartedly My tattoos all look like cr-- I think that you must be old enough to choose for yourself Min 18 years but being able to vote doesn't mean your wise .
Not enough people can look at what the actions of today will look like tomorrow really true of 40 year old tats and sprinkler faces when you drink without the piercings in