HIV transmission from inanimate object at tattoo parlor.

[tattooman]

Sorry for the ridiculous  question Dr., but I would enjoy your opinion on my inquiry. I recently had a tattoo done at a very reputable and clean shop, i.e/ the artist even changed gloves after using his cellphone or touching the ink bottles. However, altough a new needle, plastic wrap "shielding" and sterilized equiptment was used during the tattoo, the artist did not change gloves after adjusting the knob that is used to modulate the speed of the tatoo needle. Assuming that this knob was not cleaned prior to my tatoo being done and there was a customer who had a tattoo performed 15 minutes prior to me, would you consider this event to be a major HIV transmission risk?
Thanks Dr. and God Bless you for the good work you do.

[alyd78]

A related discussion, Tattoo machine dry heat Sterilized was started.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Still zero risk.  HIV isn't transmitted that way.

HHH, MD

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Thanks for the thanks about the forum.  However, although it is said there are no inappropriate questions, your own description of "ridiculous" comes close for this one.  "Major" risk?  No way.  Zero risk, period.

Best wishes--  HHH, MD

HHH, MD

[skerdstraght68]

I give the doc credit for answering all our questions at all hours of the night 7 days a week.  What a service he offers.

[tattooman]

For further clarification, what I am trying to ask is what type of HIV transmission risk would this be if blood from an infected customer was present on the tattoo machine adjustment knob and the tattoo artist touched such blood and subsequently touched the bleeding area where my tattoo was being done on my arm.
Thanks again Dr.