Guests who have received a "vampire" facial at the spa are welcome to be tested for HIV.

The state health department said it was unaware of any new blood-borne infections after the department announced the closure of a spa in Albuquerque being the subject of an investigation regarding current practices.

The VIP Spa, located at 809 Tijeras Avenue in Albuquerque, is closed indefinitely.

The New Mexico Department of Health, along with New Mexico's Regulatory and Licensing Department and the Board of Directors of Barbers and Cosmetologists, inspected the spa on Friday after a client has developed an unspecified infection. press release from the health department.

The Health Department is now urging any client who has received a "vampire facial treatment" or other procedure related to spa injection – particularly in May or June of this year – to undergo HIV and hepatitis B and C.

Dr. Michael Landen, epidemiologist at the New Mexico Department of Health, said the timing was conducive to the client's infection.

Landen said that a red flag when inspecting the spa was storing, handling and disposing of needles.

"It's worrying because if the needles are not handled properly, you could potentially increase the risk of a blood-borne infection," Landen said.

The spa offered beauty treatments, including the vampire facial, a procedure that pulls the wafers from the client's own blood and is then injected into the face by micro-needling. The face produces a complexion with a younger appearance.

The owner of VIP Spa told Action 7 News that she only used disposable needles.

"I open them in front of my clients whenever they come," said owner Luly Ruiz.

Ruiz said that she was cooperating with public health officials and encouraging all concerned customers to take advantage of the free tests.

"I want everyone to be safe, everyone is happy and know they have nothing," said Ruiz.

The Department of Health provides free testing and counseling to affected clients at Midtown Public Health at 2400 Wellesley Avenue. NE to Albuquerque.

According to Landen, several clients came to the clinic for the free test.

The office is open this week until Friday, from 8:30 to 16:30. For more information, call 505-670-8615.

What's a vampire face?

A vampire face is when a small amount of the client's blood is removed and then spun to extract his plasma. This plasma is then injected into the face with a needle.

The New Mexico Department of Regulatory Affairs and Licensing has stated that the owner of VIP Spa does not have a licensed professional to draw blood.

Only a health professional can do it.

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