If jewelry is touched during a session, what should be done to prevent contamination?

• A. Disinfect and leave in place.
• B. Keep away from sterile fields; use barriers and clean/disinfect jewelry if touched.
• C. Remove and place in the client’s bag.
• D. Ignore and continue.

Answer: (B)

Maintaining a clean, uncontaminated workspace is essential during a piercing or tattoo session. When jewelry is touched, it can transfer microbes to surfaces that should stay sterile, increasing the risk of infection. The best approach is to keep the jewelry away from the sterile field, use barriers to prevent contact, and if the jewelry has touched non-sterile surfaces, clean and disinfect it before it’s used again near the client. This helps prevent cross-contamination and protects the client.