Why do surgeons wear green?

Question

I was just thinking about it and thought, hmmm...I never knew that one and I an't seem to find the answer, does anyone out there, maybe a surgeon know the reason.

Answer 1

Why green ? Initially, all scrubs and drapes were white. People quickly became aware that blood was more impressive on white clothes, and that the light was reflected in excess by white during the operating procedure. White was therefore abandonned, and blue or green became the colors of choice.

Driving down any highway, you'll notice that every sign noting an exit or interchange is comprised of reflective white letters on a chalky, dark green background. Civil engineers determined that a driver's eyes don't get as tired looking at print on a green field, yet the colors provide enough contrast for easy character recognition. Another place we see green used is in the "green room" of theaters or television studios because nervous performers are quieted by the color. This is also the reason surgeons wear green scrubs. Hospital waiting rooms, psychiatric wards, and prison cells often paint their walls green for the same effect.

Answer 2

It actually has nothing to do with the color. There are a limited number of manufacturers that mass produce scrubs for institutional use. The fabric used to make the green and ceal blue scrubs is very soft and durable and resists wrinkling. They feel like comfortable pajamas (which is important...we put in long days). They are washed every day in harsh detergent with very hot water to kill germs (this makes them last a long time...they're not cheap and we change for every patient every day). They must look good out of the dryer...because we don't iron. If they came in other colors, those would be popular too, but for some reason they don't.

Answer 3

Does it have anything to do with the blood being red? So that colour blind, or Daltonian people won't notice the stains; Ha Ha Ha, poor joke, I know. Respect for the surgeons - and the daltonians.

Answer 4

I think this is the reason:

Green is the "opposite" colour to red (like black to white or yellow to blue) so it makes it easier to notice any spots or spills of blood or other fluids that might have been exposed.

Hence the phrase "hospital green" for that shade of colour. I don't know if they do it anymore but walls and floors in hospitals were painted that colour as well.

Answer 5

surgeons dont always have to be wearing green, but typically, green is a very calm and soothing color, so the patient will be more relaxed seeing green than say, seeing red. They also wear blue as well.

Answer 6

The green used in theatres is a non-reflective colour so easier on the eye.

Coloured clothes are easier to dye than white, so they're money saving.

Red (blood) doesn't show so obviously on green and blue.

Plus any other answer I've missed in the source :-)

Answer 7

The various shades of green provided a high-contrast environment and reduced eye fatigue.

Answer 8

Back in the day when filming of surgeries were done green showed up better on the black and white film and out of tradition green has been the chosen color.

Answer 9

it relies upon on the wellbeing facility you're working at. some aid you place on what you bypass with for, others in basic terms have a sequence color general for the wellbeing facility and different hospitals have a different color for each branch. for social gathering ER may be dark blue, hard work and transport pink, ICU eco-friendly etc and particular pupils a different different color.

Answer 10

cos green makes eyes less tired under strong operation lights for a long time.. not only their clothes, all the other surgical dress and covers are green.