The Difference between Surgical Scrubs and Medical Scrubs

Surgical scrubs and medical scrubs may refer to a uniform worn by medical practitioners. But there are differences in the 2 uniforms. That is in terms of functionality, design and style. Surgical scrubs are worn by a surgical assistant. Other healthcare personnel wear medical scrubs. I will attempt to describe these differences.

In terms of functionality, the surgical scrub is worn in the operating room or other surgical facility. Caregivers assigned in the surgical facility must provide care to patients who remain stationary. They must have unrestricted movements like bending, twisting, stretching, and contorting the body to reach the appropriate areas of the patient to provide care. They are also required to move equipment like running power cords that require pushing, pulling and even kneeling. Caregivers must wear loose fitting and unrestrictive clothing like medical scrubs.

The design of surgical scrubs and medical scrubs are considerably different. The design pertains to the functionality of the uniform. Surgical Scrubs are typically a square cut top with a loose fitting v-neck design with simple patch pockets. The bottoms are straight cut. The waist can be a drawstring, elastic or combination. The most commonly used is the Drawstring design. The pants have a single patch pocket. On the other hand, medical scrubs are available in many designs. Common designs are with flare legs and with curves in the hip area. Tops are available in several neck line designs like rounded and wrap around. Pockets are usually showy designs and shapes. The pants have elastic waist bands with either high on the waist or low on the hips. A simple surgical scrub has no style. It enables the surgical care giver to perform at an optimal level without any restrictions from the uniforms. It is commonly designed to worn by both female and male care givers. Its color is always solid.

Medical scrubs the style is unlimited and vast. They are available in many colors, prints and styles different for the female and male. Medical scrubs compromises functionality for fashion. It can be related to a sweatshirt and sweatpants (surgical scrubs) and a business suit (medical scrubs).