Unapproved tattoo operation in Lethbridge closed

Clients require testing

Alberta Health Services news release

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is advising all individuals who received tattoos at the unapproved residential “Sandra Wiltzen” tattoo operation (located at 501B Stafford Dr. N. Lethbridge) to be tested for viruses that can be spread through unsanitary tattoo procedures.

“To prevent the spread of infection from one person to another, equipment used in tattooing must be cleaned, disinfected and sterilized according to health standards,” says Dr. Vivien Suttorp, Medical Officer of Health – South Zone. “The Sandra Wiltzen tattoo operation did not have these proper sterilization processes in place, meaning individuals who received tattoos through this operation may have been exposed to viruses including Hepatitis B and C, and HIV.”


Anyone who received tattoos from the Sandra Wiltzen tattoo operation should contact Alberta Health Services at 403-388-6664 to arrange for simple, confidential testing. This testing will determine whether an individual has been infected.

AHS ordered the closure of the Sandra Wiltzen tattoo operation on Jan. 5, 2012. The operator was given 30 days to provide AHS with a complete list of client contacts. The operator has failed to comply with this request, prompting AHS to issue notification via this advisory.

To confirm that any tattoo operation is inspected and approved, individuals can call AHS Environmental Public Health at 403-388-6690. Closure orders issued by AHS are also posted online at: http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/3150.asp (click on “South” to see those in South Zone).

Albertans are also reminded to ask any tattoo operation for a copy of the facility’s most recent Health Inspection Report.

See attached Backgrounder for further advice on selecting a safe tattoo facility.

For general health information about tattoos, call Health Link Alberta at 1-866-408-LINK (5465).

Alberta Health Services is responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than 3.7 million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.