Health officials are investigating after two people who had "vampire facials" last year have recently been diagnosed with HIV.

The pair had the treatments at the VIP Spa in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The spa closed in September last year after an inspection found unsafe practices that could have spread blood-borne infections, such as HIV, to clients.

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is offering free and confidential testing for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C for any clients who received injection-related procedures there between May and September 2018.

Image: The VIP Spa in Albuquerque was closed in September 2018. Pic: NBC News

Kathy Kunkel, the department's cabinet secretary, said: "While over 100 VIP Spa clients have already been tested, NMDOH is reaching out to ensure that testing and counselling services are available for individuals who received injection related services at the VIP Spa.


"Testing is important for everyone as there are effective treatments for HIV and many hepatitis infections."

Free testing services are being provided at South Valley Health Commons and Casa de Salud Family Medical Office, both in Albuquerque.

The "vampire facial" is said to have been popularised by Kim Kardashian West after she posted a selfie on Instagram following treatment in 2013.

The procedure, also known as a plasma-rich protein facial, involves taking a small sample of a client's blood.

It is then spun in a centrifuge before being concentrated.

The resulting plasma is spread across the client's face and is supposed to help stimulate skin cell growth to make them look younger.

The procedure also involves micro-needling, where a series of tiny, superficial punctures are created in the person's face to help the skin absorb the proteins.

Clients could be exposed to blood-borne infections if a micro-needling pen or any other equipment is not properly sterilised.

Infection could also occur if another patient's blood was used to perform the facial.