Historically, white clothing was associated with cleanliness and medicine, but it is no longer the preferred choice for surgeons in operating rooms. Instead, shades of green and blue have become the norm. This change is not just about aesthetics; it is linked to the requirements of a high-pressure environment where surgeons focus on blood and tissue for hours under intense lighting.
The use of white medical clothing was once widespread, particularly with the establishment of sterilization and hygiene concepts. However, white surfaces and clothing reflect a significant amount of light, which can increase glare in the operating room and make it more challenging for the surgeon to transition visually between the surgical site and surrounding areas.
During the 20th century, the use of green and then blue gradually increased until they became the most commonly associated colors with surgical attire. One common explanation for the prevalence of green and blue is related to how the eye and brain process colors. When a surgeon focuses on blood and red tissue for an extended period, the visual pathways responsible for processing color temporarily adapt.
When the surgeon suddenly shifts their gaze to a white or highly reflective surface, a color afterimage that tends to be bluish-green may appear. This phenomenon is similar to what happens when someone stares at an object with a strong color and then looks at a white wall, seeing a shadow of a different color for a few seconds. Green or blue clothing and walls provide a less bright background than white and may help reduce harsh contrast, glare, and color afterimages during long procedures.
However, this does not mean that green and blue enable surgeons to see details they could not otherwise or that these colors have a proven effect on surgical accuracy. The issue is primarily about providing a more comfortable visual environment, while the surgeon's experience, lighting quality, and equipment remain more critical factors. Another practical reason for using green and blue is that blood stains appear less conspicuous on these colors compared to white clothing.
Blood on white creates a strong contrast, while this contrast is reduced on darker or medium shades of green and blue. Nevertheless, this does not mean that the color of clothing hides contamination; surgical attire is subject to strict protocols regarding use, disposal, or sterilization. The color of clothing does not play a role in preventing infection. Protection in the operating room relies on sterilization, handwashing, gloves, masks, and clothing designed to create a barrier against fluids and contaminants.
Not all surgeons wear the same color; some hospitals may adopt different shades to distinguish between departments or roles, and clothing colors can vary among doctors, nurses, and technicians. The continued presence of green and blue in operating rooms reflects more than a professional tradition; after white was a primary symbol of cleanliness, eye comfort and glare reduction have become part of the design of the surgical environment.
Key points
- The shift from white to green and blue scrubs in operating rooms is primarily about providing a more comfortable visual environment for surgeons.
- Green and blue clothing helps reduce harsh contrast, glare, and color afterimages during long procedures.
- The color of clothing does not play a role in preventing infection in the operating room.
