One of the best evolutions to ever happen, happened in the field of medicine. The modern scrubs worn by medical professionals today are very different from the white sterile uniforms of the past. Sure they looked clean but exactly how functional were they? Apart from looking clean what other purpose did they serve? And as the scrubs have evolved, what functionality do they provide the wearer?

Here are some of the functional features and their importance of medical scrubs that we have researched for you:

Appearance:

Wearing scrubs creates a professional appearance in the workplace. It projects authority and knowledge while simultaneously portraying the medical professionals as part of the official team.

Identification:

            The different colors and styles of medical scrubs often help to identify the different roles in the team. For example doctors, nurses, CNAs all have different color or different style of uniforms allowing them to recognize each other’s position within the medical facility.

            Medical scrubs also help the patients and their families in recognizing members of the staff easily. This allows civilians to find a professional easily in case of an emergency. Studies also show that people remembered their caregiver better from the color of their scrubs compared to remembering them by name or face.

Quality Manufacturing:

            Scrubs are often made from the best material as its expected usage is known by the manufacturer. Because companies that make scrubs are aware of the physical demands of a medical professional, the material they use to make scrubs is usually compliant of those needs. They are also usually made form a fabric that can be washed often and still maintain their fresh, new appearance.

Protection & Cross-contamination:

            Medical facilities are always teeming with germs, bacteria and different kinds of pathogens that can spread easily and be harmful to our health. That is why scrubs are of such importance in the medical profession. By changing out of the scrubs after each shift, you leave most of the bacteria and germs you collected throughout the day in the facility itself. Thereby protecting your house and loved ones from millions of potential contaminants.

Ease of Maintenance & Cross-contamination:

            Maintaining and enhancing the lifespan of scrubs can be uncomplicated if they are laundered within the medical facility itself, as they would be equipped with the correct chemicals usable to disinfect the scrubs.

Cross-contamination is a community health concern, and medical facilities are usually ground zero for the breeding and spreading of infectious and fatal pathogens. By creating a laundering service that caters solely towards the washing, sanitization and management of regular and disposable medical scrubs; facilities can drastically minimize the spread of germs and bacteria not just within the community but within the medical facility as well.

Affordability:

            Medical scrubs are often quite cost effective as they are designed to be durable and long lasting. Furthermore, if the medical facility offers medical scrubs to its employees then buying bulk amounts of every size would cost the facility less per garment than individual purchase adding to the functionality of the scrubs.

Flexibility/ Range of Motion:

            Since a medical professional is always on the move and expected to do any kind of task, medical scrubs are designed to facilitate movement. Whether it’s to bend down, reach up, pick, drop or lift; medical scrubs are designed to cover and allow free movement without any restriction. They are soft and light in weight to avoid putting additional burden on the medical professional.

Comfort & Breathability:

            Whether medical scrubs are loose or a little tailored, it is always made from material that allows air flow. The breathable fabric allows the sweat to evaporate quickly, keep the attired professional cool. It is also light enough to easily move around in allowing the qualified officials to run around taking care of business.

Pockets:

            Medical professionals have to wear their scrubs all day for hours on end so apart from free movement, protection and comfort, medical scrubs with pockets are also a big asset. Serving as additional pairs of hands; pockets allow the attired professional to carry multiple accessories on them for their comfort and efficiency. Objects like pens, small pads, scissors, penlight and syringes are often found in the pockets of doctors, nurses and other attendants; whereas sometimes the professionals also carry the much needed energy or chocolate bars for a quick snack as well. Medical scrubs with pockets puts objects of common use by a medical profession within quick reach, saving time and providing quick service.

Bungee/ Utility Loop:

            Some medical scrubs are designed with a small loop by the breast pocket. This loop though small is highly versatile. You can hook up your ID badge, your set of keys or even any tools you want upfront. The loop is sewn in at the seam to provide strength and durability.

Fashionable:

            Just because scrubs are worn in a facility where they can get blood, urine and other bodily fluids does not mean that they have to look ugly. Good medical scrubs are not only functional but stylish as well. They make you feel good about yourself and gives you a sense of professional pride. Often enough medical facilities allow their staff to customize aspects of their scrubs like the neckline, the fit and the style in order to make them feel more personal and comfortable, allowing the wearer to perform their best.

Soul Armor AKA Scrubs

            Scrubs aren’t just a uniform in a professional environment but rather an armor of discipline, courage and perseverance. It is a badge of honor for all those that wear it and clad in their colorful uniforms, medical professionals perform miracles in the face of loss while sacrificing their own daily needs.