A skin pen (also surgical pen, surgical marking pen, surgical marker pen, surgical marker, or skin marker pen
) is type of
pen
A pen is a common writing instrument that applies ink to a surface, usually paper, for writing or drawing. Early pens such as reed pens, quill pens, dip pens and ruling pens held a small amount of ink on a nib or in a small void or cavity wh ...
applied to
skin
Skin is the layer of usually soft, flexible outer tissue covering the body of a vertebrate animal, with three main functions: protection, regulation, and sensation.
Other animal coverings, such as the arthropod exoskeleton, have different de ...
to create an image. These kinds of pens are normally used by either
surgeons before proceeding with
surgery for either
medical
Medicine is the science and practice of caring for a patient, managing the diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, treatment, palliation of their injury or disease, and promoting their health. Medicine encompasses a variety of health care practic ...
purposes or
cosmetic surgery. Also, they are often used in
tattoo parlours before applying the actual permanent ink.
While long-lasting, this ink is temporary, as it has a specific substance that removes it within 3–4 days.
The sterile surgical pen was invented by Fery Manteghi in the early 1970s whilst he was working at University College Hospital. Research was carried out with scientists at Atomic Energy Laboratories at Wantage.
Research was organised by University College Hospital. Arrangements were made for Mr Manteghi, Mr French (Chief Pharmacist) and Miss Haynes (Deputy Superintendent) to attend Wantage Atomic Energy Laboratories. This was to discuss with the scientists at Wantage the feasibility of sterilising surgical pens using radiation. Trials were successful and safety tests carried out by the UCH pharmaceutical department were also successful.
The pens were first used in the main operating theatres at UCH but are now used worldwide. They are an essential tool for surgeons of reconstructive surgery.
See also
*
Eyebrow pencil
References
Pens
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