Scrub resistant inks and methods and apparatus for fabrication and use thereof are provided. Scrub-resistant ink compositions may include a dye for marking skin; and a solvent dissolving a marking effective amount of the dye, wherein the solvent comprises about 0.1 to about 90 percent of a polar aprotic solvent. Apparatus for marking patients may include an ink reservoir; an ink dispenser having a fluid connection to the ink reservoir to dispense the ink at a desired rate to mark a patient; and a scrub resistant ink disposed in the ink reservoir. Methods for forming scrub-resistant ink compositions may include providing a marking effective amount of a dye suitable for use in marking skin; and mixing the dye with a first solvent comprising 0.1% to 90% of a polar aprotic solvent. Methods of marking patients may include applying an ink as recited above to a body part of the patient.