Medical scrubs are the universally recognized uniform of healthcare professionals. While the earliest medical attire was stark white, symbolizing purity and cleanliness, this tradition shifted dramatically in the early 20th century for practical, scientific reasons. The move to the familiar green or blue was a calculated step to improve the visual performance and comfort of surgical teams. The purpose of this color switch was to mitigate visual strain caused by the operating room environment, ensuring surgeons maintain focus during intricate procedures.
The Problem with Traditional White Uniforms
The initial use of white scrubs was meant to project an image of sterility and hygiene, but this color quickly presented significant drawbacks in the operating theater. Under the intense, focused illumination required for surgery, white fabric acted as a highly reflective surface, creating a powerful glare. This glare led to eye discomfort, headaches, and visual fatigue for the staff.
The extreme contrast between the bright white uniforms and the intensely colored surgical field created a second visual problem. Surgeons stare for extended periods at the deep reds and pinks of exposed tissue and blood. When they shifted their gaze to a white surface, they experienced a disruptive afterimage. This visual distortion, where a brief flash of green or blue “ghost” of the red tissue appeared, momentarily impaired their vision and concentration.
How Green Reduces Visual Strain
The move to green and blue scrubs was a direct solution to the visual fatigue caused by white uniforms, utilizing the principles of color science. Green is positioned directly opposite red on the color wheel, making it the complementary color. This complementary relationship is the primary scientific reason for the color choice in surgical settings.
Staring at the red of a patient’s internal anatomy causes the eye’s photoreceptors, which process red light, to become temporarily desensitized. Looking at green provides a visual “reset” for the eyes, helping to refresh the surgeon’s perception of red and making the hues of the tissue appear more distinct. This enhanced contrast allows surgeons to better differentiate between varying shades of red, which is essential for accurate surgical work.
The green color also effectively addresses the distracting afterimage phenomenon. When the surgeon’s eyes are saturated with red and they look away, the resulting green “ghost” image blends seamlessly into the green or blue scrubs, preventing visual disruption. The cooler color significantly reduces glare under the bright operating lights because it absorbs more light than white, creating a calmer visual environment for the surgical team.
Why Other Colors Are Used Today
While green remains highly prevalent in the operating room, blue is an equally common choice because it functions similarly by being a cool, non-jarring color that is complementary to red. Both green and blue offer a practical advantage by making blood and other bodily fluid stains significantly less noticeable than they would be on white, helping staff maintain a cleaner appearance and reducing visual distraction.
Outside the operating room, a wide array of scrub colors and patterns are used throughout hospitals for organizational and psychological purposes. Many facilities use color-coding to easily identify personnel roles; for example, nurses might wear light blue, while doctors wear navy blue. Other departments use color psychology, such as pediatric units often opting for brighter colors or patterns to create a more friendly and less intimidating environment for children. Ultimately, the color of a medical professional’s uniform is a purposeful decision aimed at optimizing workflow, enhancing visual clarity, and influencing patient perception.