We used to use Securline and we were also frustrated with them drying out
so fast.  About four years ago we found that our office supply company(U.S.
Office Products-formerly Emmons Napp) had an industrial permanent marker
that was resistant to most chemical washes, ultra-violet light and extreme
heat or steam.  The brand name of the marker is "SHARPIE" by Sanford. We
use the extra fine point and use them on all cassettes, slides(as long as
they are not wet) and labels if they need extra writing on. We also have
the fine point on for writing numbers on the specimen containers.  We have
not had anything come off using these and there life span is
excellent!!!!!!  Pricing is not bad either(approximately $1.00 a piece). 
So I would check with your local office supply company.

Dawn Schneider,HT(ASCP)
Howard Young Medical Center
Woodruff, WI
----------
> From: JMeade0710@aol.com
> To: Histonet@Pathology.swmed.edu
> Subject: Marking pens
> Date: Monday, May 24, 1999 7:33 PM
> 
> Hello everybody in the land of knowledge:
>    I have a question that really needs an answer, what type of marking
pens 
> are in use in various labs for labeling cassettes.
>   In my lab pens by Secureline are in use, but have a very short life
span. 
> Even with careful covering, they dry out very fast. Any suggestions.??
This 
> situation is the source of much frustration.
>    Is there something better out there at a reasonable cost.??
>    Your help would be very much appreciated in advance.
> 
> Jerry Meade
> Hutzel Hospital
> University Laboratories
> Detroit Medical Center
>