To tell you about the mission of this site, I would first like to tell you a little about me, the author and owner of Safe Inking, and the researcher for this online project. 

My name is Louise Komorek, and I am a senior nursing student in a BSN program at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. I'll be graduating in May of this year (2002). I am also a tattoo and body piercing enthusiast, having six tattoos and over 20 piercings  myself.  Because I love the art form so much, and because of my interest in the promotion of public health, especially as it relates to the prevention of infectious disease transmission, I decided to create this site as part of my senior project which is a requirement for my graduation.

As a tattoo artist or body piercer, you find yourself exposed to body fluids and needles. Because of this exposure, you face some of the same risks encountered by health professionals, mainly the possibility of accidental needle sticks and exposure to diseases which may be present in blood.  The use of universal precautions and proper aseptic techniques may decrease your risk of exposure to disease, and decrease the incidence of disease transmission between clients.  It is the mission of this site to promote the use of universal precautions by all body art professionals, and to provide artists with some of the basic information needed to make competent and knowledgeable decisions for health promotion.

As I stated, this site is part of a research project. Data will be collected from this site by a survey I have designed to evaluate your thoughts and opinions about the content you find here.  There are no known risks to you, and no one who visits this site is under any obligation to participate in the study.  It is hoped by the researcher (that's me!!) that the data generated by this study will lead to future and further studies in this area, and that you, as body art professionals, and your clients will not be forgotten populations in the realm of public health.  

I desperately need feedback from artists who are able to take the time to view the contents of this site in order to complete my project. Please, please visit the survey and feedback page to let me know your thoughts about the issues raised in this forum, and if the educational information found here at Safe Inking is at all helpful to you.

*Disclaimer: This site is intended for educational purposes only & should not be regarded as expert medical advice though every attempt has been made to provide current & accurate scientific information. The author & owner accepts no liability for misuse of the content of this site.