Introduction:

In several studies of factors associated with the spread of hepatitis C, tattooing has gained importance. Studies that link tattooing with a risk of hepatitis C have not controlled for conditions under which it was done nor considered biosecurity measures. This makes it difficult to establish a causal relationship.

Objective:

This study assessed the seroprevalence of hepatitis C in adult patients who were tattooed within the last two years in the department of Risaralda, Colombia.

Materials and Methods:

This is a cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of 65 individuals with one or more tattoos that had been done 8 weeks to 2 years prior to the study and who had no other risk factors for hepatitis C. A rapid antibody immunochromatography test was used.

Results:

Out of 86 subjects, 57 met the selection criteria. The rapid hepatitis C antibody test was negative for all participants. Most were women (59.6%), their average age was 25 years, 30 were university students, 46 came from Pereira, and 40 were from economic stratum 3 or higher. Forty-six had had only one tattoo session. Most had two to three tattoos. Fifty-two had been done in authorized establishments. Fifty participants reported that their tattoo artists met biosafety standards.

Conclusion:

Tattoos made under biosafety conditions in authorized establishments do not seem to increase the risk of hepatitis C infections in people without other risk factors, especially when there have only been a few sessions. Additional studies are required to confirm this hypothesis.

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