AHS urges Calgary tattoo shop customers get tested for hepatitis B, shop calls it a mistake

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is asking anyone who received a body piercing from a northeast Calgary tattoo shop over the past two months to get tested for Hepatitis B, but the tattoo shop named says it never gave anyone piercings.

According to AHS, Little Witch Tattoo/Name Sake, located on 52 Street NE, was found not to be following proper sterilization procedures for body piercing equipment during a response to a complaint.

“To prevent the spread of infection from one person to another, equipment used for body piercing must be cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized according to specific health standards,” said Dr. Franco Rizzuti, Medical Officer of Health, Calgary Zone, AHS.

“As the Little Witch Tattoo studio did not fully adhere to these sterilization processes, individuals who received piercing services through this operation may have been exposed to hepatitis B virus.”

A closure order was issued to the shop on April 29, according to an AHS press release.

AHS says the risk to the studio’s clients is considered low, the health agency is advising anyone who received a body piercing at the business between April 15 and May 1 to arrange follow-up testing for hepatitis B.

This move is precautionary, it adds, as there have been no positive cases of hepatitis B from the location due to piercings.

All potentially affected individuals are asked to call their doctor to arrange for testing. These individuals may also call Health Link at 811 on a 24/7 basis to arrange testing, or with any questions or concerns.

AHS explains that the business operator wasn’t able to give the health authority a comprehensive client list, so notice is being made through a public advisory.

Individuals who received tattoos at this location are not affected.

Following AHS-provided education to the owner/operator on proper sterilization practices and the implementation of single-use disposable body piercing devices, the closure order was lifted on June 14, 2023.

Tattoo Shop moved out months before inspection, doesn’t offer piercings

The Little Witch Tattoo shop said on social media Monday that it has never practiced piercing people and moved out of the location in the Village Square Mall in November 2022.

“Our old location has been out of use by us since November of 2022 and has been taken over by a separate artist with his own business licence and is in no way affiliated with our business or practices,” a post on Instagram reads.

“At Little Witch, we pride ourselves with a clean environment that is health compromise-free.”

In an emailed statement to CityNews, Little Witch Tattoo owner Raven Wrathmore says it has “no association with the business practices of Namesake Tattoo.”

“Little Witch Tattoo does not offer piercing services and is not accountable for the decisions and dealings made by Namesake Tattoo or the owner,” the statement reads. “Little Witch Tattoo maintains a strong commitment to professionalism, cleanliness and ethics.”

She says AHS may have made a mistake due to the changeover.

“It is believed that due to the change over of signage, and previously being located there, that we were involved with the statement and order by AHS,” her email reads.

CityNews has reached out to AHS for comment.

Anyone with concerns about their health and safety from a piercing or tattoo should contact Environmental Public Health.

To protect patient privacy and confidentiality, AHS can’t provide detail relating to the individuals impacted.