Hi all,
We have read through all the threads on this post and wanted to ensure that BABTACs position on this topic is 100% clear as many of you have requested confirmation in writing. Here goes; we hope the following clears it up
In general terms, we recommend completing a patch test prior to carrying out any invasive treatments or ones which use specific products or pigments on the skin e.g. chemical facial peels, Laser & IPL treatments, eyelash and eyebrow treatments, tanning, micro-pigmentation, skin needling etc. This is important both to ensure the comfort of your client, certifying that they are not allergic to the product as well as to safeguard your reputation. Although they can be an inconvenience, it is better to be cautious and protect both parties.
Referring specifically to the treatments mentioned (eyelash tinting, eyelash perming and eyebrow tinting), we recommend that a skin patch test is carried out at minimum 24 hours before treating a client for the first time or at least 48hrs for clients with diabetes or other special circumstances. If possible, a 48hour minimum is preferable but not required. Salons / therapists should always act in accordance with manufacturers instructions specific to their products.
Carrying out a patch test before every individual treatment is not required by our brokers, except where your specific product manufacturer recommends it. We request that testing must re-occur if there has been a change in the clients medical history, a change in the treatment preparation (e.g. a new formula or different product), any hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause or if there has been a 12 month interval since the last treatment. Note: We recommend that whilst Manufacturers' recommendations and the protocols as taught by your schools when studying these topics are taken into account, the policy also states that therapists should be following the best current professional guidelines which may supersede these in the light of recent best practice, to minimise risks to clients. In this instance these guidelines would be as directed by BABTAC and these should be taken into account.
To make sure your insurance with BABTAC is valid:
1. Carry out the patch test as detailed above
2. Always follow the specific manufacturers instructions
3. Get your client to sign a consultation form / record card to confirm that they have received a patch test and are happy to continue with treatment and make sure you update the clients record card when the test has taken place. Note: if your client has any allergic reaction to the patch test you are advised not to perform the treatment as any resulting claim would not be covered.
4. Ensure the client is given relevant aftercare instructions before and after the treatment and ask them to sign their record card to confirm that they have received these
5. Ensure that you are following recent best practice guidelines as stated by BABTAC
Resist being pressurised by the client to proceed without a test. Be prepared to lose business if they wont have a test; it could save you serious heartache if a treatment causes a serious reaction. Records should be kept for seven years. Failure to do this will result in your claim being denied.
We hope that this helps to clarify our position. Our brokers have confirmed that if this process is followed then the likelihood of a claim should normally be avoided and you will get the full protection of the policy and the advice of the support teams at our brokers and the insurers.
A note for our members: all of these items are specifically covered in our Good Practice Guide, posted to you as part of your joining / renewal pack as well as being available from the Members area. If in doubt about any of the patch test requirements or indeed any policy compliance issues, please feel free to contact us on 0845 250 7277 (option 1) and we will be happy to help. Dont forget, you also need to let us know if any of your details change such as getting married, adding new staff, staff leaving etc., as incorrect information may also invalidate your insurance or complicate your claim.
Let us know if we can clarify anything else?
Note: the patch test requirements outlined above are correct at 25th January 2013 in accordance with our current policy information. This information is subject to change should we change our policy, change our insurer or if new legislative guidelines are levied. Members will always be notified of relevant policy changes in advance and should always refer to the specific policy information distributed.
