Alberta Health Services has closed down an unapproved piercing operation and is encouraging clients to be tested for viruses.

The piercing operation was run out of Avon Apna Jewellers, previously known as Apna Jewellers, in the Westwinds Commercial Development at 5120 47 St. N.E.

AHS officials learned about the facility during a routine Hepatitis B case follow-up investigation and shut it down last October.

Alberta Health Services is advising anyone who got a piercings at the facility to get tested for viruses that can be spread through unsanitary piercing procedures.

"To prevent the spread of infection from one person to another, equipment used in piercing must be cleaned, disinfected and sterilized according to health standards," says Dr. Judy MacDonald, Medical Officer of Health for the Calgary Zone of AHS. "This piercing operation did not have those proper sterilization processes in place, meaning individuals who received piercings through this operation may have been exposed to viruses such as Hepatitis B and C, and HIV."

AHS suggests asking several questions when considering a piercing facility

  • Is the location clean and in good repair, with smooth washable equipment and surfaces?
  • Is the piercing area separate from all dining, washroom, kitchen, lounge or sleeping areas?
  • Is piercing jewelry contained in sealed packages, unopened until the time of piercing?
  • Does the operator have equipment for sterilization, including an autoclave for reusable items?
  • Does the operator use proper containers for the safe disposal of needles?
  • Are all linens changed after every client?
  • Does the operator wash hands thoroughly with soap and water at a separate hand washing sink before and after each client?
  • Does the operator wear clean clothing?
  • Does the operator refrain from smoking, drinking and eating while tattooing or piercing?
  • Do you receive written and verbal instructions regarding the care of your piercing?
  • Does the operator request your contact information for their records?
  • Can the piercing operator provide you with a copy of their most recent Health Inspection Report?

Anyone who received a piercing at either Avon Apna Jewellers or Apna Jewellers should contact Health Link Alberta at 403.943.LINK (5465) to arrange for testing to determine if they have been infected.

Consumers can check and see if a piercing operation is inspected and approved, by calling AHS Environmental Public Health at 403.943.2288.

Clients can also ask the operator to see their Health Inspection Report.

Closure orders are also posted on the Alberta Health Services website.