After finding that a tattoo parlor was using unhygienic equipment for body piercing, about 60 people, mostly students from high schools, are being urged to get HIV and hepatitis blood tests.

Dr Robin Williams, Niagara’s medical officer of health, has urged everyone who has taken a service from Needlez Tattoo, at 16 Thorold Road East in Welland, to get a test done for the deadly viruses immediately.

People who got a tattoo or body part pierced at the parlour are being told by health officers to restrain from having unprotected sex or share razors, clippers, toothbrushes or other personal items with others.

Reports say that a certified autoclave required to sterilize tattoo ink injectors and body piercing needles and other tools were not there at the Needlez Tattoo which is located only blocks from two Welland high school.

Health officials are now trying to figure out people at the Centennial Secondary School and Notre Dame College Catholic high school who might be infected by using the parlour to get tested for HIV and hepatitis B and C.