The shift of surgeons from white to green or blue scrubs has a fascinating history rooted in practicality and visual science.
This is according to a recent article published by HuffPost, that delves into the history behind the evolution.
Author Sarah-Louise Kelly writes: ‘Surgical scrubs are either blue or green for a very good and very obvious reason.’
Before adopting scrubs, surgeons wore regular clothing and aprons, used non-sterile surgical tools, and did not wear gloves.
The transition to scrubs gained traction following advancements in antiseptic theory inspired by the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic.
Initially, surgeons typically wore bright white scrubs, associating the colour with cleanliness.
However, the pristine white proved problematic during surgery due to its blinding effect when shifting focus from dark blood to the white fabric.
Surgeons even reported headaches from prolonged exposure to their colleagues’ white attire.
In 1914, a pioneering doctor made a significant discovery. He found that green scrubs were easier on the eyes during surgery, leading to a worldwide shift in what was worn in the operating room.
This change was not just a matter of personal preference but backed by scientific understanding.
The choice of green or blue, opposite to red on the colour wheel, enhances surgeons’ vision and sensitivity to shades of red, which is crucial for discerning human anatomy details.
This scientific rationale significantly reduces the likelihood of surgical errors.
Using green or blue scrubs also diminishes distracting visual illusions that could occur when focusing on red organs against white surfaces.
White light contains all colours, including red and green, leading to potential green illusions on white backgrounds.
However, these illusions are minimised when observing green or blue scrubs instead of white ones, as they blend with the surroundings.
Beyond their practical and scientific advantages, green or blue scrubs also offer psychological benefits.
The less conspicuous appearance of bloodstains on these colours creates a less intimidating environment in the operating room.
This aspect is particularly relevant for patient comfort and the overall atmosphere of the surgical setting, emphasising the patient-centric approach in modern medical practices.
A study considered the association between patient perception of surgeons and the colour of scrub attire.
The research published in JAMA Surgery last year revealed that respondents indicated that they perceived clinicians wearing blue scrubs as the most caring, regardless of gender.
Conversely, male and female clinicians wearing black scrubs were ranked the least caring, trustworthy, knowledgeable and skilled among the four scrub colours tested (the others being navy).
The colour of a physician’s scrubs can influence patients' initial impressions, as various cues contribute to the doctor-patient relationship.
It found that participants most strongly recognised the clinicians in green scrubs as surgeons, indicating scrub colour as a potentially valuable identification tool.
