Abstract
Results The study demonstrated that pens with alcohol-impregnated tips were sterile on purchase, and remained so for up to 3 months. Although organisms were isolated on older pens, no evidence of MRSA was found. Pen tips were only able to harbour micro-organisms for 4 min before they were destroyed by the alcohol. In order to transmit MRSA to patients via marking pens, the tips required exposure to concentrations of MRSA above those commonly found on human skin, and the patient marked within 10 min of exposure to MRSA. Discussion From the above study, it is recommended that to reduce the transmission of pathogens between patients, more than 10 min is allowed to elapse between the marking of patients. Pens which are over 3 months old should be replaced as they are at an increased risk of transmitting pathogens.
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