No injections through a tattoo?

Nurses Medications

Updated:   Published

Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.

So I had a patient today, getting a depo shot. She had a sleeve tattoo, and said that the last person who gave her her shot told her that it couldn't be injected through a tattoo. I guess there is a risk of a small scar causing a cosmetic problem with the tattoo, but I couldn't find any source that talked about the dangers of injecting through a tattoo. I found some discussion about ink being carried into deeper tissues by the needle, but that seems roundly debunked.

Is this a thing? I don't think it is, but thought I would see if anyone else had any thoughts.

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I have wondered about this. I am under the impression that it is ok. I have started IVs on patients with sleeves and given IM injections through deltoid area tattoos before. Although, i will try to avoid it if there is a better non-tattooed location. Although I am not sure why I try to avoid it?

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

Maybe fresh tattoos? The only thing I could think would be the possibility of scar/cosmetic issue.

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Depo shots go in the deltoid now?

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aeris99 said:
Depo shots go in the deltoid now?

I've always gotten mine in the deltoid.

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

Depo can go in the deltoid or glute. I always leave it up to the patient. And, yes, you can give it through a tattoo. And no, giving it in the deltoid does not cause more hair loss; and giving it in the glute does not cause more weight gain.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, educator.

My husband would be out of luck for injections since he has all kinds of tattoos. Lol I've never heard of not being able to do so.

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I always gave injections, tat or not.

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Specializes in OB.

I have heard this from CRNAs who would not place an epidural through a tattoo. They stated it was because of the possibility of carrying particles of ink deeper into the body. Other CRNAs have said they do not have an issue with this.

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Specializes in Urology, HH, med/Surg.
bagladyrn said:
I have heard this from CRNAs who would not place an epidural through a tattoo. They stated it was because of the possibility of carrying particles of ink deeper into the body. Other CRNAs have said they do not have an issue with this.

Yes, I've heard this. Additionally, I was told the problem was red ink.

The CRNA didn't want to put my niece's epidural through her tattoo especially d/t the red ink. Supposedly whatever they make it out of could be dangerous/toxic if a particle gets in spinal fluid/column?

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Specializes in Med-Surg, ED.

my tattoo artist told me that most ink allergies are to the reds. maybe that has something to do with it?

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Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.

But isn't it dangerous to potentially introduce ANY dermal tissue into the epidural space?aren't the needles designed to be non-boring?

Interesting, hadn't heard about the red dye thing in particular. My brief looksee seemed to show no evidence of a problem with inserting epidurals through tattoos.

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