Can your teen get AIDS or HIV by getting a tattoo?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (i.e., CDC), there has not yet been a documented case of AIDS transmission from a tattoo. However, a risk of HIV transmission does exist if tattooing instruments contaminated with blood are either not sterilized or thoroughly disinfected or are used inappropriately between clients. CDC recommends that instruments that are intended to penetrate the skin be used only once, then disposed of or thoroughly disinfected and sterilized..
Thomas J. Berger, Ph.D.; Former Human Development & Family Studies Specialist, College of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Missouri Extension
Last update: Thursday, February 21, 2013