Why is it essential to wear surgical scrubs in restricted areas?

Hospitals have areas where street clothes are not allowed. This isn't an arbitrary rule, but a measure designed to protect patients, staff, and the entire surgical environment. These more controlled areas are known as restricted areas, and wearing surgical scrubs is mandatory there.

Below I explain, in a clear and practical way, why this measure is so important.

What are restricted areas?

These are areas where the risk of contamination is higher or where some type of sterile procedure is performed. They include:

Operating rooms

Preparation and immediate recovery rooms

Surgical scrub areas

Exclusive transit zones for sterile equipment

In these areas, any particle, fiber, or microorganism can compromise patient safety.

Why are people not allowed to enter wearing street clothes?

Everyday clothing accumulates elements that are not seen, but are there:

Dust

Loose fiber

Dry sweat

Environmental bacteria

Viruses that attach to tissue

Hair and particles that come loose when moving

All of this travels through the air or by contact, increasing the risk of contamination in environments that must be kept as controlled as possible.

The role of the surgical uniform in protection

Surgical scrubs fulfill several functions that street clothes cannot offer:

1. Reduces particle dispersion

Scrubs are made with fabrics that minimize the release of fibers, which reduces the microbial load in the environment.

2. Facilitates hygiene control

The uniform is changed daily (or even more than once a day if necessary). This allows for maintaining a consistent standard of cleanliness.

3. Prevent staff from transporting microorganisms between areas

Without surgical scrubs, movement between sterile and non-sterile areas would be a source of cross-contamination.

4. Materials designed for clinical areas

Modern scrubs, like those from JelriSoFit (95% polyester + 5% elastane), not only allow mobility, but also help maintain a more stable barrier than casual wear.

What should a uniform for restricted areas be like?

Not just any scrub is suitable for surgical areas. It must meet criteria such as:

Durable fabric with low fiber dispersion

Plain colors and no decorative elements

A comfortable fit that allows for movement without excessive wrinkling

Easy to wash and quick drying

Does not retain odors or moisture

A well-designed uniform helps staff work without interruption and without compromising the safety of the environment.

The importance of a uniform standard in the equipment

When all staff wear appropriate scrubs:

Risk variability is reduced

It is easier to identify who can enter which area

A more orderly flow is maintained

The discipline of the surgical team is reinforced.

In restricted areas, uniformity is not just aesthetic; it is part of the security protocol.