Before scrubbing in for surgery, it is mandatory for all healthcare personnel to wear scrubs. However, scrubs are today not only confined for use in operating theatres; it is also used in other parts and spheres of hospitals.

It was only in the early parts of the 20th century that surgeons started wearing scrubs, or any form of specialized clothing. Before the use of scrubs, surgeons used to operate without any special clothing as protection for himself or the patient. The most they used to then wear were aprons. Moreover, operations were then performed barehanded, without gloves and with instruments that were not sterilized. Surgeons started using cotton gauge masks as protection only after the deadly Spanish flu of 1918.

When scrubs were first used, they were used more as a protection from infections for the doctors, and not as protection to the patients. However antiseptic clothing was brought about in the 1940s which were worn in operating rooms. This was also when the practice of sterilizing instruments, dressings and supplies were adopted before operations.

Scrubs were first available in white color, to symbolize cleanliness. However many operating theatre personnel found these white scrubs with blood stains rather repulsive. Moreover the glare of the operating lights and white scrubs caused lots of eyestrain on not only the surgeons but also the staff. This then brought about the decision to replace white scrubs with different green shades and other colors to reduce eye fatigue.

Scrubs were used extensively in the 70s where both cotton shirts and pants and even one piece dresses that were knee length were introduced for wear in operating room. In addition to this, tie back caps, either gauze or paper masks, latex gloves, cloth surgical gowns and shoes with closed toes were used before an operation. Today, all medical uniforms of short sleeve shirts and pants are referred to as scrubs, and is available in any pattern or color. In fact, children’s hospitals have hospital personnel wearing scrubs which have colorful prints and cartoon characters that liven the atmosphere of the hospital and the mood of the children.

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