Code of Maine Rules
10 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
144 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - GENERAL
Chapter 210 - RULES RELATING TO TATTOOING
Section 144-210-5 - CARE OF INSTRUMENTS

1. An autoclave shall be used for sterilizing all needles and similar instruments packed in sterile packets before use on any customer, unless received and stored in sterile condition from manufacturer.

2. Dirty instruments awaiting sterilization shall be handled and stored so as not to contaminate any person, clean surface or equipment. Before sterilizing, all instruments shall be thoroughly washed to remove dyes, blood clots, and all other foreign matter. An Ultrasonic cleaning machine shall be used to complete this requirement.

3. The needles and instruments temporarily set down during tattooing must not become contaminated.

4. The autoclave shall be spore tested at least once each month and records shall be maintained and available for inspection for a minimum period of one year. Each package of sterilized instruments shall be monitored for sterilization by the use of chemical/heat sensitive indicators that measure temperature and general functioning of the sterilizing equipment. Permanent records of sterilization shall be maintained and made available for inspection for a period of one year. Sterilized instruments stored in an approved manner and not used within 6 months of steam sterilization shall no longer be considered sterile and shall be re-sterilized before use.

5. Used needles shall be cleaned and sterilized before disposal. An ultrasonic cleaning machine and autoclave shall be recommended to fulfill this requirement.