The History Of Medical Scrubs
Medical Scrubs began to be used in the twentieth century when the medical profession started to see the importance of a clean environment for surgery and medical care. Before standardized uniforms were used regularly, surgeons performed operations and care in their street clothes with a cover or apron to keep their clothes clean. During the flu pandemic of 1918 doctors began to wear masks but it was more for their protection than their patient’s protection from infection. In the 1940s awareness of wound infection and the need to have a sanitary operating room prompted the first use of medical uniforms and clothing. The first scrubs were gowns or drapes that covered the surgeon and staff while operating.
When medical clothing began to be used regularly in operating rooms in the 1950s and 1960s they were made with white fabric to demonstrate cleanliness. The bright white fabric of the uniform in the white operating rooms began to strain the medical staff’s eyes and eventually scrubs began to be made in colors like blue, green, pink and yellow. Now the majority of staff are required to wear some form of standardized medical uniform whenever in a clean environment.
Today’s scrubs are usually short-sleeved, v-neck shirts with draw string pants they also include jackets and gowns and come in various colors and bright prints, these bright prints are particularly good for personnel who work with children. Scrubs also come in various durable, colorful fabrics that can be easily cleaned and withstand the rigorous use and abuse of the medical field profession.
Alexander Sutton has been working in the medical field more than 11 years. For additional information, please visit medical scrubs
