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Why Do The Medical Field Wear Scrubs or Uniforms?
Every now and then a question comes along that demands a closer look. Few questions have been as perplexing to many people as, “why do the medical field wear scrubs or uniforms?” The answer, while complex, is not too difficult to come by with a little research and history.
First, let’s explore what scrubs or medical uniforms are today. These are garments worn by surgeons, nurses, and personnel with careers in the medical community. Once upon a time, scrubs were only worn in the operating room, but today, you can see scrubs outside of this sterile environment.
But when asking the question, “why do the medical field wear scrubs or uniforms?” one must take into account that scrubs were at one time only worn in the operating room. Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a nasty infection that can increased the need for scrubs or medical uniforms not only in the operating room but in the facility in general.
It wasn’t until the 20th century that surgical garments actually become common practice. Once upon a time, surgeries were performed in an operating theater. This operating theater was not a sterile environment, and generally, the surgeon wore nothing but his normal street clothes. On occasion, he would wear a butcher’s apron to insure his clothing did not get stained, but that was the extent of his protection.
Interesting, the cotton gauze masks worn commonly today did not really take hold until 1918 and the “Spanish Flu” pandemic hit. Then, the masks were worn not to protect the patient, but the mask was worn to protect the surgeon from the patient. Obviously, a lot has changed in today’s medical community.
When we want to explore why do the medical field wear scrubs, uniforms, or even sterile their equipment, we often take for granted that this technology is less than a century old. In the 40s, advances in medicine led to what we call surgical antisepsis. More commonly, we call it aseptic technique. What this means is that when you go into a medical community, you will find the staff wearing appropriate attire.
Even the style of the medical apparel has changed over time. Once a solid white, many medical uniforms or scrubs today are a variety of colors. Surgical greens or blues are popular in the operating room because they offer a contrast to the overly white room reducing the amount of glare that can hamper an operation.
Another interesting fact is that scrubs and medical uniforms are generally not owned by the wearer in a hospital setting due to the fact that the garments must be sanitized and sterile to enter an operating room. Generally, if you do not work in a hospital environment, these regulations are more lenient.
When asking “why do the medical field wear scrubs uniforms”, it is a perfect opportunity to take a look at the history of medical garments and see where the future will lead. While a lot has changed in the design, considerably more has changed in the concept of how the patient is treated and where the responsibility for safety lays.
The Uniform Connection offers a full line of uniforms. Our uniforms include scrubs, work apparel, school uniforms, corporate apparel, flame resistant work wear, food service, sports clothing, law enforcement and security, outerwear, hospitality service, shoes, work boots. Looking for a custom quote on embroidered apparel, silk screening, or need name tags, custom patches, or need to set up a uniform program, then give us a call at 1-877-786-6311. We can also provide your organization with safety equipment, medical equipment or promotional products. Our home office is located in Houston, Texas with warehouses located throughout the United States that enable us to service all 50 states including New York NY, Los Angeles CA, Miami, FL Chicago IL, Denver CO, Boise ID, Atlanta GA, Albuquerque NM, Raleigh-Durham NC, Washington DC, Albuquerque NM, Huntsville AL, Fayetteville AR, Norfolk VA , Madison WI, Corpus Christi, Plano, Garland, Laredo, and Lubbock, TX.
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