What Are Scrubs?

Surgical attire is popularly referred to as "scrubs" because it is worn in a "scrubbed" environment," according the scrubsgallery.com, a uniform website for medical personnel. Scrubs include everything from head to ankle.

History

Scrubs provide a more sterile operating room by replacing the street clothes originally worn by surgeons. Early surgeons simply protected their clothes with an apron.

Usage

Hospitals ensure the sterility of surgical scrubs by laundering and sterilizing them in-house. Non-surgical personnel may be allowed to maintain their own.

Benefits

Sterilized scrubs protect patient and providers by reducing the presence of infectious microbes in the operating room.

Composition

The typical scrubs ensemble consists of a short-sleeved V-necked shirt over drawstring pants. In the operating room, a surgical gown, face mask, head covering, shoe covering and gloves are added.

Colors

Originally white, scrubs began appearing in green in the 1950s to reduce OR glare. Today's scrubs come in a wide variety of colors and patterns.

Effects

Scrubs are often used as medical "costumes," as well as many non-surgical medical applications.

References

• The History of Surgical Attire from the Suit to the Sterile Scrubs of Today
• Surgical Scrubs: Staying Safe and Sanitary:
• All About Scrubs