Girlfriend has Tattoo from 1997. Should I worry about HCV?

Question

Hi All,

My girlfriend received a tattoo in 1997. Should I be worried at all of the possibility of HCV infection? I've read that several people believe they got HCV from Tattoos. Was this a common thing in the late 90's? She is very resistant to getting a test as she doesn't think anything is wrong with her. I'm confused as the CDC states that there is no evidence of transmission of HCV from tattoos. However several people on this board and other studies point to a higher risk.

Thanks!

Brandon

This discussion is related to SGOT/SGPT values for HCV infection.

copyman · Answer

If that was her only risk then leave her alone about it. You are treating her like she was a junkie at one time. Even if she had HCV you are very unlikely to contradict it.
So move forward if you care for her, if not find another girl that comes with her shots & papers!

child24angel · Answer

No it's not bodily fluids , it's blood to blood....

With that being said, yes you can get infected from a tattoo.
A local Tattoo parlor here was shut down due to findings of HCV.
The last I heard 3 people were infected, I have a friend who went there
and the state sent a letter to him to get tested.  The state tests him
twice, which is a good thing.  It's not just the needles, it's the ink as well like
you said.  It is possible where there is blood to blood.

In  a normal (whatever normal is anymore) household setting , I've never
heard of HCV infecting other household members, even when we didn't know
about HCV and took no precautions.  I've cleaned up , bandaged up, helped with
more blood than you could imagine through the years with my late son having
hemophilia.  I've even stuck myself accidentally with his used IV needles needed for 
his survival.  I still continue to test negative as does my daughter who was also
in direct contact and helping her brother through the years. We don't test anymore.

I really don't understand why I didn't get it..but I didn't, just like not all people
will get it from a tattoo parlor.  I have a few friends that have tattoos, and they are fine.

mopar1 · Answer

any thing that contains body fluids can transmit tattoos recived after more regulations were passed for prevent transmission through poor practice same ink water needles or in another country with poor regulations and hygenie

winner727 · Answer

sterile needles and autoclaved holding pegs . dont always cover the routes of transmission in tatts .  minisule droplets  of blood could vibrate off the gun . in a fast paced shop . also reusing ink .  that said ,  only a test will tell .  sexually ... 1% mabey . i didnt pass it to my wife in 24 years . our daughter was born c section and is also neg .     good luck

brandon108 · Answer

Thanks Dave. Thats definitely reassuring.

spectda · Answer

Hi Brandon, it's unlikely you will get it from her it that the concern. It doesn't transmit sexually very easily. Not to say it couldn't, but I haven't know anyone who got it that way, and I have been through wife one for 15 years and current wife of 10 years and neither got it without protection (I am not recommending no protection of course).

If you are worried about her, It's hard to imagine why she wouldn't want to know for sure and I would tell her that feeling good doesn't mean she doesn't have it. I still feel good and have stage 2.5 fibrosis. I only know my stage from having my third every five year biopsy recently. 

Many people seem not to want to know. I have friends who have had it for 30 years and don't want to find out if they have any damage or think about treating because they feel good still and aren't worried. Ignorance is bliss as they say!
good luck-Dave

brandon108 · Answer

Thanks for the responses. I have been tested for both B and C and came out negative. I guess I am a bit confused by all the information on the web. I've seen a few studies where as many as 33% of the participants with Tattoos had HCV. Maybe it is also because these tests were done in the early 90's when sterilization wasn't as good? Also several people on this board mention getting HCV from tattoos. I guess I need to just relax and trust. 

Thanks again!

B

GSDgirl · Answer

no

FlGuy · Answer

Did she get it while in prison?  If yes, I may have follow-up comments.

Bill1954 · Answer

I agree with adamben. When the FDA says there’s no evidence that HCV is vectored through tattoo equipment, that means there’s no documented cases that occurred to their knowledge. Although it’s intuitively possible; I think healthy caution is always a good thing. If you’re concerned, express this to her, and if she still objects, it might be time to find a new gal? Good luck—

Bill

adamben101 · Answer

Hi Brandon.  I'm fairly new but I'll try to answer.  Getting HCV from a tattoo is possible, but is really an extremely small percentage chance.  If you are so worried about it, and she won't get tested, why don't you get tested, stay aware and safe with sex among other things and leave it at that?  If all people who have tattoos also had HCV, we'd be in real trouble these days.  Hope that helps.  So like a lot of responses on this board would say...relax, go get tested, and you're probably worrying over nothing.