Thinking about Inking; Medical Alert Tattoos and Practical Implications of Their Use for Providers and Patients

Objective: Medical alert tattoos (MATs) are under-recognized and under-studied.The information contained in tattoos may be useful for guiding patient management in emergent presentations such as trauma and critical illness when the patient is unable to communicate.However, use of MATs is fraught with medico-legal complexity as well as reliability and safety concerns.This study aims to examine patterns of use and develop recommendations for patients and providers.Methods: An online survey was created for health care providers, patients and tattoo artists regarding incidence, background motivation, content of tattoos as well as providers' experience with and recommendations for their use.A literature review was performed to examine the available evidence presented in previously published case reports as well as historical, clinical, and ethical reviews.Results: Allergies and chronic medical conditions were commonly seen.Of the providers who had encountered a MAT 39% reported that it had influenced patient management.Literature review showed wide heterogeneity in the use of MATs by patients and providers.Conclusion: Whether or not MATs are a good idea, patients are using them to communicate medical information.Health care providers should be aware of their use and the complex issues around interpreting the information they contain.