How Often Should Medical Scrubs Be Replaced?

Deciding on the frequency of replacement for medical scrubs depends on several different factors. The interval between replacement will vary within specific medical departments and job roles within the healthcare industry. Typically, medical uniforms will need to be replaced when they show signs of aging.

Aging occurs from repeated laundering processes to hygienically clean the scrubs. Threads can start to weaken. The scrubs can start to fade from repeated drying. When you have multiple sets of scrub uniforms, then the aging process can be slowed and individual sets will last longer.

a group of faceless doctors

Factors That Determine Medical Scrubs Replacement Intervals

1. Job Role

If you work in the emergency room or surgical unit at a hospital where you are exposed to bodily fluids, you will need to replace your scrubs more often. It is not uncommon to have to change scrubs several times during your shift if they get blood or other bodily fluids on them.

On the other hand, if you work in the medical billing or records department, then you will want to have a clean set of scrubs for each scheduled shift. Since you are not exposed to bodily fluids, your scrubs will also not need to be replaced as often.

2. Changes in Seasons

If you work in an area with seasonal changes, then you may have different medical scrubs needs based on the time of year. In the hotter summer months, scrub shirts with short sleeves would be more appropriate to keep cool and comfortable. In the winter, scrubs that are made from thicker materials would be more desirable to help keep you warm.

3. Branding/Image Changes

It is not uncommon for healthcare managers, owners, and other responsible parties to want to make branding and imaging changes. Part of these changes could mean replacing current medical uniforms with new ones in different colors. For example, you roll out a new logo that features blue and purple. It would make sense that your scrubs are also matching shades of blue and purple to fit the new logo.

4. Employee and Patient Feedback

Employees and patients may provide feedback about your current scrubs that could indicate a replacement is needed. Employees and patients might favor a particular color over another. You may also want to make it easier to distinguish various roles in the healthcare setting—like nurses, volunteers, doctors, etc. Having different colors of scrubs for each role can make it easier for patients too.

Young caucasian man and woman doctors in medical scrubs

Trends also influence how often you should replace your scrub uniforms. For instance, white used to be the primary color used in healthcare for many years. Yet, thanks to trend changes, scrubs in various shades of blues and greens quickly replaced white. Staying up on trends is beneficial to show that your healthcare organization is current and makes a positive impact on patients.

How to Simplify Scrub Uniforms Replacement Intervals

The easiest way to ensure your healthcare employees always have access to clean and hygienically clean scrubs is to rent your scrubs from a medical uniform service. The service takes care of laundering all the scrubs. It also ensures your employees have access to as many clean sets of scrubs needed each day.

Another benefit of using a uniform and laundry service is it monitors the condition of scrubs and replaces them automatically for you when needed. To learn more about leasing or renting medical scrubs and medical uniforms for your healthcare facility, please feel free to contact Prudential Overall Supply at 800-767-5536 today!