General Information	State of South Dakota
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South Dakota Body Art Sterilization Guidelines

44:12:01:34. Disposal of contaminated products

Gauze, cotton swabs, or other single use products which are contaminated with body fluids must be disposed of in impervious double plastic bags which are securely sealed. When needles, tubes, or other multiple use products used in conjunction with the practice of tattooing are disposed of, they must be sterilized and placed in an impervious rigid container which is securely sealed.

44:12:01:16. Sterilization methods

Equipment requiring sterilization must be sterilized by using the method of steam pressure sterilization with at least 15 pounds of pressure per square inch for at least 30 minutes at a temperature of 250 degrees Fahrenheit in an autoclave. This must be certified by a chemical indicator which is attached to the autoclave bag and turns color when the required temperature has been reached. A tattoo establishment owner or operator shall provide lab result slips which state that each autoclave has been bacteriologically tested monthly and has passed the test. Dry heat is not an acceptable method of sterilization for the purpose of this article.

44:12:01:17. Sterile equipment -- Packaging and storage

All sterile equipment and supplies must be stored in a closed dustproof container in such a manner as to prevent being contaminated. All needles and tubes must be packaged prior to autoclaving either individually or in quantities for individual tattoos. Autoclave packages must be constructed so that the contents are visible without opening the package. Autoclave packages containing equipment which has been autoclaved must be dated with an expiration date.
The expiration date may not exceed 30 days from the date autoclaved. Sterile equipment may not be used after the expiration date without being resterilized. A tattoo machine must be stored in a manner that will prevent contamination.

44:12:01:19. Tube construction -- Sterilization required

All tubes, including the grips on the tube, must be either stainless steel, nickel-plated carbon steel, or Lexan. The grips may also be constructed of anodized aluminum. Lead-bearing solder may not be used in the construction of the tubes. Tubes must be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized between patrons.

GENERAL AUTHORITY: SDCL 34-1-17(8).

44:12:01:33. Storage of soiled equipment

Upon completion of a tattoo, a tattoo artist must immerse needles and tubes used for the tattoo in an effective sanitizing solution, as identified in Appendix A at the end of this article, until they can be cleaned and sterilized.

44:12:01:18. Needle construction -- Sterilization required

All needles must be either stainless steel or nickel-plated carbon steel. Needles may be soldered to stainless steel bars using a silver-bearing solder. Lead-bearing solder may not be used in this process. Needles are a single-service item and must be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized between patrons. Rusty or faulty needles may not be used for tattooing.