What color of medical uniform is best for radiology?

Medical scrubs with zippers have become popular for their modern style and ease of putting them on and taking them off. But the question is common: are they really safe for working in a clinical setting? The answer is: yes, they can be used safely, provided they meet certain criteria. Here's a clear guide to help you make the best decision. 1. Basic safety: what a suitable zipper should have ✔ Inner cover (placket) A secure zipper should have a layer of fabric covering it on the inside to prevent it from snagging on gloves, skin, or tools. ✔ Plastic material, not metallic Metal zippers can rust with disinfectants and are less flexible. Plastic ones are lighter, more durable, and easier to disinfect. ✔ Reinforced seams A clinical uniform must withstand constant movement, frequent washing, and disinfection. The zipper area needs double or reinforced stitching for added security. 2. In which medical areas can they be used safely? Zippered uniforms are suitable in environments where the risk of exposure to fluids is low and the tasks require comfort and a professional appearance. They can be used in: Private consulting rooms Administrative areas Radiology Dentistry Physiotherapy/occupational therapy Nutrition Aesthetics, dermatology and medical spa In these scenarios, the zipper does not compromise safety or hygiene. 3. Situations in which they are NOT the best option They are not recommended in high-risk environments where clothing must function as a maximum barrier. Avoid them in: Emergency Room Intensive care Operating room Biological risk laboratories Prehospital care and ambulances In these areas, even a small opening or seam can accumulate contamination and make disinfection difficult. 4. Real advantages of zippered scrubs Easy to put on and take off, even with frequent changes of clothes More structured and cleaner adjustment Modern and professional aesthetics They prevent typical button problems, such as them opening or falling off. 5. Tips for choosing a safe model Choose plastic zippers covered by an inner layer Verify that the design allows for full mobility when raising the arms. Make sure the zipper doesn't rub against your neck Check that there are no metal elements that could cause discomfort or get caught on something Uniforms with zipper closures can be used without issue in most medical and paramedical jobs, provided they meet basic safety standards and are used in low-risk areas. If your workday requires comfort, quick dressing, and a modern look, this type of uniform can be an excellent option. For critical areas, a zipperless design remains the safest choice.

Iodine stains are among the most dreaded in clinical settings. That yellow-brown hue adheres quickly to the skin and, if not treated promptly, can become permanent. The good news: they can be removed, and you don't need unusual products or complicated techniques. Here is a practical guide designed for nurses, doctors, technicians and anyone who uses scrubs daily. Why does iodine leave such tough stains? Iodine (or povidone-iodine) dyes because it adheres strongly to fibers like cotton and polyester. When it comes into contact with the fabric, it penetrates quickly and oxidizes, creating that intense color. If the fabric remains untreated for a long time, the dye becomes more resistant. What you should do in the first 30 seconds A quick intervention makes all the difference: Rinse with cold water. Avoid hot water because it sets the stain. Do not rub hard, just press to remove excess. Prepare the garment to apply the stain remover of your choice. These steps prevent the iodine from "settling". Effective methods for removing iodine stains Ethyl alcohol: quick and easy Alcohol dissolves povidone-iodine and it usually works even on recent stains. How to use it: Moisten a cotton ball with alcohol. Dab on the stain, without dragging. Repeat until the color lightens. Wash the garment normally. Ideal for emergencies or when you don't have other products on hand. Bicarbonate of soda + hydrogen peroxide A light blend that helps remove the stain without damaging the fabric. How to use it: Mix baking soda with peroxide until a paste forms. Apply it and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. Rub gently and rinse. Lava as usual. It works very well on cotton scrubs. Hypochlorite (for white uniforms only) If the garment is white, chlorine can be your ally—if you use it correctly. How to use it: Always dilute it (1 part chlorine to 4 parts water). Soak the stained area for a few minutes. Rinse thoroughly to avoid damage to the fibers. Never use it on colored uniforms. White vinegar A gentle option for those who prefer less aggressive products. How to use it: Apply vinegar directly or soak the area for 20–30 minutes. Rub gently. Wash as usual. It is useful when the stain is already dry. 3-piece surgical set – Women's Navy Blue>> Career options If the stain has been there for days or weeks, these products help more: Enzymatic stain removers. Oxygenated detergents for clinical use. Specific solutions for povidone-iodine. They often even recover uniforms that seemed lost. Recommendations based on uniform color White uniforms Permitted: alcohol, bicarbonate + peroxide, chlorine. Avoid: products that may yellow or leave shadows. Dark scrubs Use alcohol or vinegar to avoid altering the tone. Avoid abrasive methods that may lighten the area. Mistakes that set the stain (and complicate everything) Wash with hot water. Scrub as if you were using a floor brush. Mixing chlorine with vinegar or peroxide (dangerous). Put the garment in the dryer before removing the stain. If the dryer sets the color, removing it afterwards is almost impossible. How to avoid iodine stains in everyday life Wear gowns or aprons during procedures. Handle iodine away from the body. Clean up any splashes immediately. Do regular pre-washes if you work in healing areas. Small habits that prolong the life of your uniforms.

In recent years, some manufacturers have started promoting scrubs with "UV protection" as if they were an essential advancement. It sounds good, but... do you really need them for your daily work in the medical field? Do healthcare professionals really need scrubs with UV protection? Most medical staff work in indoor spaces: hospitals, consulting rooms, laboratories, radiology, procedure areas, private clinics. In these environments, exposure to UV rays is minimal and does not represent a real risk. In addition, the fabric of medical uniforms usually has a high density and colors that already act as a natural barrier. Simple conclusion: For the vast majority of doctors, nurses, technicians, physiotherapists, and administrative staff, it is not necessary to buy scrubs with UV protection , especially if they are more expensive. Who could benefit from this feature? Although it is not a general necessity, there are cases in which UV protection does add value: Nursing or physiotherapy staff who make home visits. Professionals who spend time in outdoor areas of the hospital. Community activities, health fairs, outdoor vaccination campaigns. People with very sensitive skin or with a medical recommendation to avoid sun exposure. Personnel from mobile units or brigades working under the sun. In these scenarios, a scrub with a UV filter can help reduce cumulative exposure. Advantages and limitations of UV-protective scrubs Advantages Less sun exposure during outdoor tasks. The fabric may age less when it receives direct sunlight. Limitations In indoor environments, its effect is practically imperceptible. The price is usually higher without providing real benefits in hospital routine. It is a function aimed at a very specific group, not at all healthcare professionals. So, how do you choose the right medical uniform? For most staff, it's best to prioritize: Good breathability Fabric resistant to constant washing Elasticity and comfort A cut that allows unrestricted movement If you occasionally work outdoors, a light jacket or accessories like a hat and sunscreen are usually more practical than buying specialized scrubs. Scrubs with UV protection They are not a requirement for those who work within hospitals and clinics. They're only really useful for those who spend time a long time in the sun or have specific needs. Choose your uniform with your actual work environment in mind, not added features you may not need.