What is a common characteristic of instruments used in body art procedures?

Instruments used in body art procedures are specifically designed to be in contact with a client's body or bodily fluids during the application of tattoos, piercings, or other body art forms. This characteristic is critical because it underscores the need for strict hygiene and safety practices in the industry. Instruments must be chosen and maintained with the understanding that they will come into contact with skin, potentially breaking its surface, which can expose clients to risks if not handled properly.

This means that, while not all instruments are always disposable or used only once, they certainly have a direct interaction with the body and fluids, which necessitates appropriate disinfection or sterilization practices before use on another client. Understanding this characteristic highlights the importance of maintaining a clean and safe work environment for both the artist and the client.