For APP members
Proud corporate sponsor of the Association of Professional Piercers
We support the APP because we share its mission: safer piercing through education and science-based infection control. Here's what the APP expects for spore testing, why it matters, and a thank-you discount for members.
Our sponsorship
Why we support the APP
Founded in 1994, the Association of Professional Piercers is an international non-profit dedicated to sharing vital health and safety information about body piercing with piercers, health care professionals, legislators and the public.
For years, Woodhouse Laboratories has worked with piercing studios, from single shops to multi-location groups, on autoclave sterilization monitoring. Sponsoring the APP lets us give back to the organization that sets the bar for safety and professionalism in the industry.
Read the announcement
APP standards
What the APP requires for spore testing
APP membership has environmental criteria every studio must meet. These are the ones that cover sterilization.
Third-party testing, at least monthly
Biological spore testing must be done by an outside lab, not in-house, and kept current at least once a month.
Two recent results per autoclave
Members submit copies of the two most recent spore test results for each autoclave or sterilizer in the studio.
Medical-grade autoclaves only
Autoclaves must be medical grade and meet FDA standards, preferably with a dry cycle. Top-loading autoclaves and pressure cookers aren't accepted.
Documented equipment and space
Photos of every autoclave showing make, model and serial number, plus a fully enclosed sterilization room with separate clean and dirty areas.
The APP Procedure Manual goes further
It recommends running spore tests at a minimum weekly, or as your local regulations require, and testing more often the more an autoclave is used. It also recommends a Class 5 integrator in every cycle, logged daily.
Check your state and county too
Many health departments set their own schedule for body art studios, and it can be stricter than the APP's.
Body art regulations by state →Summarized from the APP's published membership requirements and its Procedure Manual (2013 edition), reviewed November 2026. Always confirm current criteria with the APP.
Why it matters
Autoclave testing in piercing studios
Every piercing breaks the skin, and the needle, jewelry and tools all come into direct contact with blood and tissue. Your autoclave is what stands between your clients and bloodborne infections like hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, and a spore test is the only way to prove it's working.
Color change isn't proof
Indicator tape and pouch strips only show that steam reached the package. They can't tell you whether the time, temperature and pressure were enough to kill everything.
Spore tests prove the kill
A spore test uses some of the hardest-to-kill microorganisms there are. If they don't survive your cycle, you know your autoclave is sterilizing.
Autoclaves fail quietly
Worn door gaskets, overloaded chambers, wrapping mistakes or a skipped maintenance visit can all cause a failed cycle, often with no warning light. Regular testing catches it early.
Records build trust
A clean, independent testing history is what health inspectors and the APP look for, and it's something clients can see when they choose a studio.
If a test fails
What the APP Procedure Manual says to do
- Stop piercing and pull back the tools and items processed since your last passing spore test.
- Reprocess and resterilize them before they're used again.
- Run another spore test right away and send it by express shipping.
- If the second test also fails, have the autoclave serviced.
Need a retest fast?
Our rush testing uses a 1-hour ampule and overnight UPS return, so you get results a full 24 hours sooner than standard overnight shipping. If your test fails, we'll also call you the same day.
Call 1-800-647-9881SporeAlert
Built to keep you APP-ready
- Independent third-party labYou run the strip and mail it in. Our microbiologists incubate and read every test.
- Monthly or weekly kitsQuarterly, monthly, semi-monthly and weekly kits, so you can test to the APP minimum or the Procedure Manual's weekly recommendation.
- Reports ready to submitEvery report is emailed to you and saved in your online account, so your two most recent results per autoclave are always on hand.
- A same-day call on failuresIf a test fails, we email you and call the same day, so you can act before your next client.
Member discount
How to use your 10% off
- Choose your kitsPick a SporeAlert kit for how often you test and how many autoclaves you have.
- Enter APPDISC10Add the code in the coupon box at checkout and 10% comes off your order.
- Test and mailRun the strip with a normal load, mail it to our lab, and get your results by email.
For current APP members. Questions about the offer? Email frontdesk@woodhouselabs.com.
Questions from piercers
Does the APP require spore testing?
Yes. Biological spore testing must be done by a third party and updated at least monthly. Members submit copies of the two most recent results for each autoclave or sterilizer.
How often should my studio test?
Monthly is the APP membership minimum. The APP Procedure Manual recommends at least weekly, or whatever your local regulations require, and more often if your autoclave runs a lot of loads. Check your state and county rules, since they may set a stricter schedule.
Does SporeAlert count as third-party testing?
Yes. You run the strip in your autoclave and mail it to our lab in Bellingham, Washington, where our microbiologists incubate and read it. Every result is emailed to you and kept in your online account.
How do I get the APP member discount?
Enter coupon code APPDISC10 at checkout in our online shop to take 10% off your SporeAlert order.
What if my spore test fails?
We'll email you and call the same day. Stop using the autoclave, pull back items processed since your last passing test, reprocess them, and retest right away. Our unsatisfactory results guide walks through each step.
Still have questions? Talk to a real microbiologist.
frontdesk@woodhouselabs.com
Mon–Thu 9 AM–4 PM · Fri 9 AM–12 PM PT