A protective garment designed to be worn by the doctor, nurse, and others in the operating room. The garment was originally a gown. Scrubs now include the shirt and pants worn by those who scrub in for surgery. The wearing of scrubs extends outside surgery in some hospitals and clinics.
Most nurses in today's society are required to wear scrubs to work. Scrubs are usually sold as tops and long pants that are made out of thin, slick material. This material can be easily cleaned, and it flecks off most liquids and contaminants.
It helps patients identify their healthcare providers. Many places have specific color codes for different departments, such as blue for nurses, green for nurse aides, purple for housekeeping, etc. Also, a uniform looks more professional and neat.
Scrubs are often the uniform of surgeons, nurses, and physicians who conduct or assist in operations or other patient care services. While they come in different colors, scrubs are most known for being blue or green among the medical field.