Following an investigation into the home-based parlor businesses in Calgary, the Health officials are urging people who had tattoos done at any of seven unlicensed parlors in that area, to get tested for hepatitis and HIV.

The investigations have revealed that in a majority of these parlors, the tattoos were being done on a couch in a bedroom, with no stainless steel sinks, no disinfectant and no approved sterilizers or hand-washing facilities.

"There are certain standards of the Public Health Act that have to be met and these places didn't meet them", said Shannon Evans, a Spokeswoman for Alberta Health Services.

Dr. Judy MacDonald, the city's Deputy Medical Health Officer, Judy explained that a majority of tattoo artists advertise on social media websites and in classifieds, making it more difficult for authorities to track them down.

"We actually have no idea how many clients these seven unapproved facilities might have had. Since they didn't keep client records at all, there's just no way of knowing", she said.

Every violation under the Public Health Act can carry a fine of up to $2,000, but officials have not decided whether to pursue any charges, as of now.