VITN Blog Post #3: Vampire Facial May Expose Clients to HIV

Health officials in New Mexico have advised clients of a 'vampire facial' to get HIV, HBV, and HCV testing after unsafe practices were revealed at a spa in Albuquerque. A vampire facial involves drawing a person's blood, placing it into a centrifuge and extracting the plasma, and injecting the plasma into the face with a micro-needling pen. The plasma contains nutrients, proteins, and growth factors that stimulate the skin and provides extra collagen. When the equipment lacks proper sterilization, patients can be exposed to various blood-borne diseases. Consumers can be more cautious by monitoring the sterilization/disposal methods used by doctors for micro-needles and ensuring that their spa is 'vampire certified.' Proper sanitation and disposal methods can help prevent blood-borne viruses from spreading from one patient to the other.
Avery Muniz
Viruses in the News 2018
Link: https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/13/health/vampire-facial-new-mexico-hiv-test-bn/index.html