Uniform Scrubs and the Operating Room

When we think of uniform scrubs, due to the popularity of recent television programs such as Scrubs, ER and Grey's Anatomy, we no longer think of the operating room as the primary location of the wearer scrub. Although scrubs remain standard OR garb, uniform scrubs have invaded virtually every area and every departMent of the hospital.

Uniform Scrubs and the Operating Room

Uniform Scrubs and the Operating Room

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Uniform Scrubs and the Operating Room

Uniform Scrubs and the Operating Room

The history of operating room medical atTire is one of evolution. Originally physicians and nurses did not wear a medical uniform. Doctors wore their normal Clothing while providing patient care services and donned only an apron to protect their Clothing from body fluids while performing surgery. Little thought was given to providing protection for both doctor and patient from bacteria. Surgeons operated without masks, gloves andsterile equipMent. As the medical profession became aware of the risks of infection, surgeons began wearing masks to reduce the risk of physician's exposure to bacteria and disease.

The issue of sanitation gradually became a driving force in the healthcare industry as medical practitioners realized the benefits of protecting both themselves and patients from infectious disease and bacteria. Uniform scrubs were introduced, providing the team with comfortable surgical garb that replaced the standard operating surgical apron as atTire. Uniform scrubs are designed with double sewn seams flat that resisted the invasion of bacteria into the garMents. Design details were kept to a minimum to eliminate places for infectious substances to hide. Scrubs were easy to launder and replacementcosts were minimum compared to other uniform options. Originally available only in unisex sizing, scrubs had a boxy fit to allow for ease of movement.

White became the symbol of purity and cleanliness and invaded the operating room in the form of white uniform scrubs. However, surgical procedures left the white scrubs stained and unsightly from blood and other body fluids. In the middle of the 20th century, white uniform scrubs gradually gave way to jade green and ceil blue scrubs in the operating room. These colors came to be known as "green hospital" hospital "and" blue and are still in use today in the OR. The move to colored scrubs helped disguise soil and also to soften the white glare "of the operating room, easing the eye strain caused by the stark white environment of thesurgical theaters.

By the 1970 's, uniform scrubs had assumed the styling now recognized on today's television. In the operating room, surgical scrubs still are comprised of the standard short sleeve, V neck top and drawstring pant. These styles allow operating room personnel to quickly change garments between surgeries. The roomy fit and non-binding scrub pant waists are easy to wear during long hours spent in surgery.

Today, operating room staff often wears disposable gowns over their uniform scrubs for an additional layer of protection against infection. These gowns absorb most of the fluids and bacteria which are then disposed of, instead of laundered and returned to service.

Uniform Scrubs and the Operating Room