The part of getting tattooed you almost never see on social media is the most important one: bioseguridad, or biosafety. A stunning design means nothing if the process behind it puts your skin and health at risk. At Púrpura Tatuajes, in Downtown Puerto Vallarta, we believe an informed client asks better questions — and that is exactly what this guide is: what you should demand at any studio before getting tattooed, here or anywhere else.
Why biosafety is not optional
Getting tattooed means piercing the skin thousands of times per minute with a needle that comes into contact with blood. That makes any studio an environment that has to be run to the same hygiene standard as a minor medical office. Without correct protocols, the risk is not just a local infection: we are talking about hepatitis B, hepatitis C and other blood-borne infections.
The good news is these risks are almost entirely preventable. The bad news is not every studio takes them seriously, and clients often do not know what to look for.
What should be on the table (literally)
- Single-use, sealed needles. Every needle and cartridge should come out of a sealed pouch in front of you and be discarded after your session in a sharps container. If the artist already has them unwrapped before you arrive, that is a red flag.
- Autoclave for anything reusable. Grips, tubes and any reused metal instrument should go through an autoclave — a steam and pressure sterilizer, not just alcohol or UV light. The autoclave should have a cycle log and periodic biological indicator tests.
- Plastic barriers on everything that gets touched. Machine, cables, lamp, work table: everything the artist touches during the session should be covered with single-use plastic, changed between clients.
- Fresh gloves in front of you. The artist should wash their hands and put on new gloves in front of you at the start, and change them if they touch anything outside the sterile field (their phone, the door, another surface) mid-session.
- Ink in disposable containers. Ink is poured into small single-use cups; leftover ink is never returned to the original bottle once used.
Questions you can ask without hesitation
A good studio never takes offense at this. Quite the opposite — they read it as a sign you care about your health, the same way they do.
- "Can I watch you open the needle?"
- "How often is the autoclave tested and serviced?"
- "Are you certified in biosafety or first aid?"
- "What happens to the used material afterward?"
If the answer is vague, incomplete, or the artist gets defensive, take that as a signal.
Red flags you should recognize
- The workspace looks cluttered or has uncovered surfaces near the tattoo area.
- The artist reuses needles "because they are barely used".
- No visible sharps container.
- Gloves worn for hours without changing between clients.
- Prices dramatically below the rest of the market — this almost always means corners are being cut on material or cleaning time.
How we work at Púrpura Tatuajes
Our protocol follows the rules above as a minimum, not an exception: single-use needles opened in front of you, an autoclave with a logged cycle history, disposable barriers on every contact surface, and a workspace that is fully cleaned between clients, not just made to look tidy. If you have questions about our protocol, ask us directly — we are happy to walk you through it before you book.
After the session: biosafety is still in your hands
A serious studio does its part, but aftercare is biosafety too. Follow your aftercare instructions closely, avoid touching your new tattoo with dirty hands, and stay out of pools, the ocean and hot tubs until it has fully closed. See our guide to caring for a new tattoo under the sun and sea if your tattoo will overlap with your Puerto Vallarta vacation.
Frequently asked questions
Does the autoclave eliminate 100% of the risk? When used, maintained and tested correctly, it reduces transmission risk to a minimum. Combined with single-use material and good barrier practices, it is the industry standard.
Is it normal for the artist to wear a face mask? Yes, it is recommended practice, along with gloves and sometimes a face shield, especially for longer sessions.
Can I ask to see the sterilization records for the equipment? Yes, and a serious studio will show you without hesitation. The autoclave should have visible logs or sterilization indicators.
What should I do if I suspect a studio does not meet these standards? Do not get tattooed there. Your health is not worth a discount or a faster appointment.
Book knowing exactly how we work
If you want to see our studio, get a first-hand look at our protocol, or simply ask questions before your first session, message us on WhatsApp or book from our contact page. We are in Downtown Puerto Vallarta, Monday to Sunday.