Can HIV Be Transmitted Through Tattoo Needles?

Posted on Thu, 28 May 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 28 May 2015 Answered on

Thu, 18 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a tattoo touched up at a friend's house - she is a professional licensed artist and licensed in blood borne pathogens, but how safe can a home really be?! I want to be tested for HIV and Hep C to be safe. I had the tattoo done a week ago. How long do I need to wait to be tested? Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
3 months

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

Nowadays tattoo artists use single use needles so the chances of catching a blood borne infection like Hiv and hepatitis is extremely less.
For a confirmatory positive report I would like you to get tested for hepatitis c and Hiv after 12 weeks

I hope i was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar