This morning I found an interesting question in my email: "Is needle EMG through a tattoo contraindicated?" The physician who inquired was concerned about both an increased risk of infection and possible damage to the tattoo.
The AANEM does not address this issue in any of its documents, although Risks in Electrodiagnostic Medicine says, "Insertion of needle electrodes through infected skin or sores is contraindicated." A search in Muscle & Nerve produced no articles that mention tattoos in any context. I located a statement from the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists that discusses the risk of piercing a tattoo for an epidural. Similar information was available at mayoclinic.com. An increased risk of infection has not been documented, although needle insertion of a fresh tattoo is not advised. When possible, it is desireable to avoid piercing any tattoo should a small scar disfigure the image.
If you have experience with EMG through a tattoo or a similar "preexisting condition," please share it using the comments feature.
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Clinical Neurophysiology diagnostic Tests; EEG (Electroencephalography), NCS (Nerve Conduction Studies) and EMG (Electromyography) are offered to assess the central and peripheral nervous system functions by measuring electrical activity in the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles.Neurology Tests
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