Your skin will be punctured by the tattoo needle dozens or even hundres of times each minute during the process. Most people don't think of it this way, but a new tattoo is essentially a new wound in your skin. For this reason, proper hygiene in the tattoo studio is essential.

Any part of the machinery of the tattoo process that is not disposable (the needle bar and the tubing) must be sterilized in an autoclave. This sterilizing machine uses heat and pressure to kill any germs on the tattoo equipment in about an hour.

Many other pieces of equipment used in the tattoo process are single-use only, and will disposed of after each client. The tattoo artist will use a fresh pair of gloves for each client. Needles come in sterile packaging and will be disposed of in sharps containers after a single use. The ink cups and inks will also be tossed out after just use by just one client. All of the new materials should be opened in front of the new client before the tattoo is done.

The artist needs to be certain of cleanliness of his or her hands, and also to check for any cuts or abrasions on the skin. The work area must then be disinfected, and spray bottles and trays covered with plastic wrap.

Finally, the area of the client's skin to be tattooed will be shaven and disinfected with an antiseptic soap. 

If all of these procedures are followed, the spread of any communicable diseases or germs is very unlikely.