Abstract: An identification device, preferably a wristband or adhesive label, is configured to receive identifying indicia by means of a direct thermal printer. A direct thermal layer includes antimicrobial particles embedded therein and is exposed, i.e., does not have a protective overcoat or varnish covering the direct thermal layer. The antimicrobial particles increase the surface available silver ions and are preferably formed of an aqueous dispersion of silver chloride-coated titanium dioxide particles. The antimicrobial particles may also be formed of an inorganic silver-containing compound such as silver zirconium phosphates or a silver substituted zeolite.