Head to toe: operating room workwear essentials

When it comes to infection control in hospitals, what healthcare workers wear plays a crucial role in keeping both patients and staff safe. From scrubs to surgical gowns, every piece of workwear is designed to minimise the spread of harmful bacteria and ensure a sterile environment — especially in high-risk areas like operating theatres. A workwear provider charts some whole-of-body operating room workwear essentials, trends and best practices.

Australia has specific standards for healthcare uniforms, particularly around how they should be cleaned and maintained. AS 3789.3:1994 and AS/NZS 4146:2000 outline best practices for laundering hospital textiles to keep them hygienic and effective. Other standards, like AS/NZS 4501 for protective clothing and AS/NZS 4381:2015 for single-use face masks, ensure that healthcare attire meets safety and performance requirements. Together, these guidelines ensure uniforms and protective gear used in hospitals are durable, comfortable and, most importantly, help prevent contamination — keeping both staff and patients safe.

Scrubs: the first line of defence

Scrubs are a staple in any hospital, but they’re more than just a uniform. They help prevent the spread of germs by reducing the microorganisms shed by healthcare workers. Traditionally made from a polyester-cotton blend, scrubs are designed to be breathable, durable and easy to clean.

Newer fabric innovations now include moisture-wicking materials that improve comfort during long shifts while preventing bacteria from accumulating. In high-risk areas like operating theatres, disposable polypropylene scrub suits are preferred, as they are discarded after use, further reducing infection risks. Many hospitals also enforce colour-coded scrubs to distinguish between sterile and non-sterile areas.

Surgical gowns: essential barrier protection

Surgical gowns provide an extra layer of defence for healthcare workers, particularly during procedures where exposure to blood and bodily fluids is high. These gowns are made from specialised materials with a three-layer structure, like polyethylene-coated fabrics or reinforced spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS) textiles, which prevent bacteria from passing through.

Reusable surgical gowns are gaining popularity due to their cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits. When laundered under strict hospital protocols, they offer the same level of protection as disposable options. The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons¹ advocates for high-quality reusable gowns as a sustainable alternative to single-use garments, which contribute significantly to medical waste.

Head coverings and masks: stopping airborne contamination

Head coverings and masks are a must in operating theatres, helping to reduce the risk of airborne contamination. Bouffant caps, surgical headgear and fitted masks prevent hair, skin particles and respiratory droplets from entering the sterile field.

Surgical masks and N95 respirators are critical in preventing the spread of airborne infections, protecting both patients and staff. Studies show that proper use of face coverings significantly lowers contamination risks.² For extra protection, face shields and goggles are often worn during high-risk procedures to prevent exposure to blood splatter and airborne pathogens.

Footwear and infection prevention

Hospital footwear is another important part of infection control. Closed-toe, non-porous shoes help prevent contamination, and in some cases, shoe covers are used in sterile zones. While there is debate over whether shoe covers significantly reduce infection risks, they are still widely used as an additional precaution.

Many hospitals require staff to wear dedicated footwear that stays within clinical areas to avoid tracking contaminants into sterile environments. Slip-resistant soles are also essential, given the potential for fluid spills in operating rooms.

Keeping it clean: laundering healthcare workwear

Even the best protective clothing won’t be effective if it isn’t cleaned properly. Australian standards require that hospital uniforms and surgical textiles be commercially laundered at high temperatures (60–80°C) to kill bacteria and viruses. Studies have found that small lapses in laundering procedures can allow bacteria to survive, highlighting the importance of following strict cleaning protocols.

For staff who wash scrubs at home, it’s essential to keep them separate from household laundry and use the correct temperature settings. The drying process also plays a key role — tumble drying on a hot cycle helps eliminate any remaining bacteria.

The future of healthcare fabrics

Advancements in fabric technology are making healthcare workwear even more effective. Antimicrobial-treated fabrics, infused with silver or copper nanoparticles, actively inhibit bacterial growth, helping to reduce contamination between washes. These materials are being incorporated into scrubs and surgical gowns to provide an extra layer of protection.

Smart textiles are also on the horizon. Some innovative fabrics can detect contamination and alert healthcare workers when a garment needs to be changed. Others have self-sanitising properties, using embedded antimicrobial agents to continuously neutralise pathogens. While still in development, these advancements could revolutionise hospital infection control.

Looking ahead: infection control and healthcare workwear

As research continues to improve best practices, hospitals and healthcare providers must stay up to date with the latest advancements in workwear and infection prevention. With new fabric technologies and stricter compliance with laundering protocols, infection risks in operating theatres and clinical settings can be further minimised.

Investing in high-quality healthcare uniforms and ensuring staff follow best practices is essential for protecting both patients and medical professionals. By maintaining strict infection control measures, the healthcare industry can continue to improve safety and reduce the spread of preventable infections.

*Pamela Jabbour is CEO and Founder of Total Image Group.

^{1. Reusable sterile surgical gowns are safe, effective, and environmentally friendly. Surgical News. 2023;24(6). Accessed 19 May, 2025. https://www.surgeons.org/surgicalnews/Articles/2023/Volume-24/Issue-6/Reusable-surgical-gowns}

^{2. Greenhalgh T, MacIntyre CR, Baker MG, Bhattacharjee S, Chughtai AA, Fisman D, et al. Masks and respirators for prevention of respiratory infections: a state of the science review. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2024;37(2):e0012423. doi: 10.1128/cmr.00124-23.}

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Healthcare workwear best practices

To maximise infection prevention, healthcare workers should follow these best practices:

1. Wear PPE correctly — gowns, gloves, masks and eye protection should always be used during procedures where exposure to bodily fluids is a risk.
2. Change uniforms regularly — scrubs and uniforms should be changed daily or as soon as they become soiled.
3. Follow proper donning and doffing procedures — incorrect removal of PPE can lead to contamination.
4. Practice good hand hygiene — washing hands before and after patient interactions significantly reduces infection risks.
5. Ensure proper laundering — healthcare uniforms should always be washed and dried under appropriate conditions to maintain their protective properties.

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Image credit: iStock.com/Goodboy Picture Company