In March 2025, alarming reports emerged about serious infection control breaches at The Ketthip Clinic, a Sydney beauty clinic that was found to be using unqualified staff and unsterile equipment for invasive cosmetic procedures. Clients were urged to undergo testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV due to potential exposure. While this incident may no longer be front-page news, the issue remains deeply relevant.
Infection Control Is a Public Health Matter
Although more than three months have passed since this story broke, the broader concern remains: infection control lapses in unregulated cosmetic settings continue to pose significant health risk, particularly for blood borne viruses like hepatitis B and C.
At Hepatitis ACT, we are committed to community education and harm prevention. This includes raising awareness about the risks associated with certain cosmetic and beauty treatments, especially when infection control is not prioritised.
What Went Wrong
According to reports from The Guardian The Ketthip Clinic carried out cosmetic injections and procedures using equipment that had not been properly sterilised. Staff performing these procedures were reportedly unqualified, and health authorities identified a clear risk of blood-to-blood transmission which is a primary route for hepatitis B and C.
Why You Should Still Care
Infection control is not just a clinical concern, it’s a personal one. Anyone seeking beauty treatments like skin needling, tattooing, piercings, or injectables should take simple but crucial steps to protect themselves:
- Check qualifications Make sure the provider is licensed and trained to perform the procedure.
- Ask about infection control Don’t be afraid to ask how tools are sterilised or whether single-use needles are used.
- Look for accreditation Clinics that adhere to health and safety standards are often registered or certified with a governing body.
Hepatitis Risks in Non-Clinical Settings
Blood borne viruses like hepatitis B and C can be transmitted when equipment contaminated with infected blood is reused or improperly sterilised. Unlike in hospitals, many cosmetic clinics and home-based operators do not follow the same rigorous hygiene standards. This is not an isolated issue, over the years similar lapses have occurred across Australia in beauty parlours, tattoo studios, and home-based salons making it a persistent concern and not a one-time incident.
How You Can Protect Yourself and Others
- Get vaccinated A safe and effective vaccine for hepatitis B is available and strongly recommended.
- Get tested If you’ve had a procedure done in an unregulated environment, testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV is a precaution worth taking.
- Report unsafe practices If you suspect infection control breaches, contact ACT Health or your local health authority.
A Call for Stronger Oversight
Hepatitis ACT supports stronger regulation and oversight of cosmetic service providers to prevent avoidable exposures to serious viruses and advocate for clearer public education about the risks associated with non-sterile procedures.
The Ongoing Takeaway
This issue may have dropped out of the headlines, but it hasn’t disappeared. As long as invasive procedures are being performed in environments without adequate infection control, the risk remains. By staying informed, asking the right questions and taking steps to protect ourselves, we can help ensure safety and prevent the spread of hepatitis in our community.
You can read the original news update and article below: