This single patient use surgical skin marker has an ultra thin tip that wontt clog and stays needle sharp, yet it is soft enough to insure patient safety. The ink is gentian violet, the only ink approved for use on human skin during any invasive procedure. It is non-sterile and aseptic. It should not come into contact with open skin or wound site and is intended for single patient use to eliminate any chances of cross-contamination. The pen cannot be autoclaved because it will melt and should be discarded after use.