Why scrubs are green

For surgeons, operating was less of a literal headache. BY Matt Soniak. Have you ever wondered why green or blue scrubs are usually worn in the operating room? While this may seem insignificant, this practice can actually determine the success of a surgical operation.

When you look at the doctor or nurse or look at the hospital, you see green or blue clothes or curtains. But have you ever wondered why at the end of the operation, doctors wear green or blue clothes only? Red, yellow or any other color.

Normally from the doctor to the hospital all the staff were wearing white clothes. Even now some doctors wear white clothes. But in , an influential doctor changed the tradition of white clothes into green clothes. On a patient level, white scrubs literally caused headaches, creating eye strain and visual fatigue. This color is also very difficult to get blood stains out of. So, definitely think twice before going with white scrubs.

Purple can put out mixed feelings, depending on the person. Some view it as childish or immature, perhaps not taking you seriously as a qualified medical professional if you wear it. Others view it as a strong color, associating it with royalty and empowerment. For a lot of patients, red is the worst-colored scrubs you can possibly wear. Green also makes it easy to hide bright red blood stains, which extends how long you can use the scrubs before a wash.

In other words, there are no real downsides to wearing green scrubs. Unless your employer provides you with your own pair of scrubs or your hospital dress code states otherwise, you are generally free to wear whatever color or style of scrubs you choose to.

Every stitch is designed with one common purpose. But do these scrub colors actually mean anything? Do Scrub Colors Elicit Emotion? Why Blue and Green Are Common There is some thought behind why certain scrub colors are more common in hospitals than others.

For example: the trauma ward might be wearing a deep blue, while the obstetrics and gynecology department wears purple, and the nursery and pediatrics department wears a soft pink.

What About Prints? A Final Note Unless your employer provides you with your own pair of scrubs or your hospital dress code states otherwise, you are generally free to wear whatever color or style of scrubs you choose to. Share This Article:.