If you’ve ever been to a hospital or clinic, there’s no doubt you’ve seen staff walking around in medical scrubs. While most people don’t give this a second thought, there is a good reason why this has become the standard dress code in health care settings. In fact, medical scrubs offer a number of important benefits to both patients and their caregivers. While a starched white nursing uniform used to be the norm, the professionals at Uniforms Plus in Foley, AL, explain why scrubs have become a workplace requirement for health care professionals.

How Did Scrubs Get Their Start?

Medical scrubs first came into fashion in the 1960’s when researchers found that replacing stark white uniforms with colored apparel relieved eye strain for doctors and nurses working in brightly-lit hospitals. By the 1970’s, green short-sleeved shirts and drawstring pants were adopted as the chosen attire for operating rooms. This type of uniform was then named for the sterile, or “scrubbed” surgical environments where it was worn. Since then, these practical garments have been expanded to include a variety of styles, colors, and patterns.  

Why Are Medical Scrubs Required?

One of the key benefits of wearing brightly colored scrubs is that it’s easier for medical personnel to tell when they’ve come into contact with bodily fluids, medications, or other contaminants. Soiled medical scrubs must be stringently cleaned to make sure harmful pathogens don’t spread. Made from extra-durable materials, scrubs are specially designed to withstand the rigorous cleaning practices hospitals use to keep staff and patients safe.

By making medical scrubs the standard uniform in hospitals and clinics, it’s significantly easier for patients and visitors to quickly pick out nurses and doctors. This makes it easier for people to know who to turn to in an emergency. Some hospitals take this one step further and even require separate medical departments to wear color-coded scrubs, making it even simpler to identify different staff members.

Wearing scrubs also protect nurses’ and doctors’ personal clothing from damage. Depending on where they work, medical professionals may frequently be exposed to blood and other body fluids, which could easily ruin regular clothes. Replacing stained scrub tops or bottoms is easier and more cost effective than buying a new wardrobe every few weeks.

If you’re looking for the latest selection of men’s and women’s scrubs, shop Uniforms Plus today. With an extensive collection that includes all the major brands, you’ll leave their store looking polished and professional. Visit the website to learn more about their inventory and services, including monogramming. To stay connected, visit the Facebook page or call the store at (251) 943-7530.