When you walk into a hospital, the first thing you may notice is an array of different colored scrubs worn by the medical staff. But have you ever wondered why there’s such a vibrant palette on display? These colors are not chosen simply for fashion’s sake; they serve a purpose. 

Each color signifies a particular role or department, allowing for easy identification and streamlining of communication and services. In this post, we’ll delve into the meaning behind these colors and why they’re important.

Please note that the color coding can vary from hospital to hospital, and there is no universal standard. However, some general trends can be noted.

Blue Scrubs

Blue, in its various shades, is a common color for scrubs. In many hospitals, dark blue scrubs are worn by surgical staff. These scrubs are designed to hide blood stains, and the blue color can help to keep surgeons calm during long, intense procedures.

Light blue or green scrubs, on the other hand, are often worn by staff in the maternity and obstetrics departments. The calming shades are soothing to expectant mothers and newborns.

Green Scrubs

Green is another color widely used for scrubs. As with blue, it’s intended to have a calming effect, which is particularly useful in high-stress environments such as the emergency department. Moreover, green is also easier on a surgeon’s eyes as it’s the opposite of red on the color spectrum.

Burgundy Scrubs

Burgundy scrubs are often seen in departments dealing with cardiovascular health, such as cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery. This color is also a popular choice among phlebotomists who handle blood draws and other related procedures.

Grey Scrubs

Grey scrubs are commonly worn by technicians, such as radiology techs. The color provides a stark contrast to the white sheets and dark imaging films that radiologists typically work with.

Pink Scrubs

Pink is a color that you’ll commonly see in the women’s health departments, including mammography and gynecology. This color choice serves as a symbolic nod to women’s health issues, such as breast cancer, which is often represented by a pink ribbon.

Purple Scrubs

In some hospitals, staff in the pediatrics department wear purple scrubs. Purple is a vibrant, fun color, and wearing these colored scrubs can make healthcare professionals appear less intimidating and more approachable to young patients.

White Lab Coats

White lab coats are generally reserved for physicians and higher-level healthcare providers. The white color symbolizes cleanliness and sterility, embodying the hygiene standards expected in medical settings.

In Conclusion

The array of colors you see on medical staff at hospitals is more than a vibrant display—it’s a functional system designed to enhance workflow and patient care. The color coding provides a visual guide to the roles and responsibilities of the staff you interact with during a hospital visit. Next time you’re in a hospital, observe the colors around you; they have a story to tell.