Duke University Hospital has a long tradition of using distinctive light blue scrubs for its medical personnel. The specific Duke blue color is instantly recognizable and helps promote a unified, professional image for Duke health providers. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the history of Duke blue scrubs, the exact Pantone color used, where they can be purchased, and more. With over 90 years of history behind the signature Duke scrubs, they remain an iconic part of the Duke University Health System.
History of Duke Blue Scrubs
Duke blue scrubs were first introduced in 1930 at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina. At that time, many hospitals did not have a standard uniform color for nurses and doctors. Duke sought to create a consistent, professional look for its medical staff by selecting a distinctive light blue color for scrubs.
The choice of blue was inspired by the Duke University school colors of royal blue and white. By choosing a lighter shade of Duke blue for the scrubs, they stood out from the darker collegiate blue. Light blue was also chosen as a calming, tranquil color appropriate for a healing environment.
Initially, only nurses at Duke University Hospital wore the light blue scrubs. Over time, their use expanded to include all patient care providers regardless of position or department. Wearing the signature Duke blues became a source of unity and pride. Today, it represents the long tradition of excellence in patient care provided by Duke University Health System.
The Duke Blue Scrubs Color
So exactly what shade of blue are the iconic Duke scrubs? The specific color is Pantone 542 C, also referred to as Duke blue.
Pantone 542 C is a light, soft blue with relaxed and calming qualities. However, it is also bright and vibrant enough to stand out. When describing the Duke blue color, common phrases used include sky blue, powder blue, baby blue, or Carolina blue.
The Pantone Matching System is the worldwide professional standard for designating colors. By using the Pantone 542 C standard, Duke ensures the blue scrubs will maintain their consistency and recognizability over time. Manufacturers that produce Duke blues must precisely match the Pantone 542 C swatch.
| Pantone Code | Color Name |
|---|---|
| Pantone 542 C | Duke Blue |
While subtle variations may occur between dye lots, the scrubs remain clearly identifiable as Duke blues. This consistency is key to maintaining the Duke University Health System brand image.
Where to Buy Duke Blue Scrubs
Authentic Duke blue scrubs are available for purchase at the Duke University Stores located on campus. There are two options:
- Pre-shrunk cotton/polyester blend Duke blue scrubs
- Duke blue scrub jackets in both the cotton/polyester blend and a water-resistant nylon
The classic fit scrub tops have a unisex v-neck design with side seam slits. Scrub pants sit at the natural waist with an elastic waistband and drawstring, along with side pockets and a cargo pocket.
Having access to Duke University Stores ensures employees can easily obtain approved Duke blue scrubs that exactly match the Pantone 542 C standard. It also allows new staff members to immediately get compliant uniforms.
In addition, several major medical apparel manufacturers have licensing agreements to produce Duke blue scrubs. These include brands like Barco, Cherokee, Dickies, Grey’s Anatomy, Jockey, Landau, and Med Couture. There will be minor variations between manufacturers, but in general these licensed Duke blue scrubs closely match the iconic color.
The licensed Duke scrubs are widely available for online purchase through major retailers like Amazon, Uniform Advantage, Scrubs & Beyond, and Uniform City. This makes it convenient for health system staff across all locations to secure approved Duke blues. Having multiple retail options also helps keep pricing competitive.
Who Wears Duke Blue Scrubs
All patient care providers at Duke University Hospital and within the Duke University Health System wear Duke blue scrubs. This includes:
- Physicians
- Nurses
- Medical assistants
- Radiology techs
- Phlebotomists
- Respiratory therapists
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Surgical techs
- Anesthesiologist assistants
Essentially any staff members that regularly interact with patients will be dressed in Duke blues. Consistent use of the signature scrubs helps convey a unified team approach to providing exceptional care.
Some personnel may wear alternate uniform colors, such as:
- Lab coat or tie for physicians/providers when not seeing patients
- White coats for pharmacists
- Maroon scrubs for OB nurses
- Light pink scrubs for OB techs
However, Duke blue remains the predominant and most recognizable uniform color for doctors, nurses, and other patient care staff. After over 90 years of history, it’s hard to imagine Duke University Health System without the iconic Duke blue scrubs!
Duke University Health System Locations
The Duke University Health System includes many hospitals, clinics, and facilities across North Carolina and beyond. All patient care providers wear the signature Duke blue scrubs at these locations:
- Duke University Hospital, Durham, NC
- Duke Regional Hospital, Durham, NC
- Duke Raleigh Hospital, Raleigh, NC
- Duke Cancer Center, Durham, NC
- Duke Children’s Hospital & Health Center, Durham, NC
- Various Duke Health clinics in Durham, Raleigh, Hillsborough, and elsewhere
- Duke surgery centers and outpatient facilities
This expansive health system serves patients across the entire state of North Carolina and beyond. Duke blue scrubs can be spotted on medical staff throughout these diverse locations, immediately signaling the providers’ connection to Duke University Health System. The consistency of the Duke blues helps ingrain the brand image across all demographics and geographic regions served.
Duke Scrubs and Infection Control
Beyond branding, Duke blue scrubs play an important role in infection control efforts. Medical scrubs are designed to be simple, comfortable, and lightweight while also prevent pathogen transmission.
Duke provides scrubs for staff and launders them appropriately to reduce bioburden. Using a single consistent color makes it easy to systematize the scrub cleaning process.
Proper handling and sanitation of Duke blues is essential because they are worn in direct patient care settings. Scrubs can pick up antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA or C. difficile. Proper cleaning and disinfecting between uses reduces healthcare-associated infections.
Duke laundry procedures to sanitize scrubs include:
- Bleach or other antimicrobial detergents
- High heat drying/tumbling
- Immediate isolation if contamination is identified
Ongoing quality control ensures the Duke blue scrubs remain bacteria-free for maximum patient protection.
Duke Scrubs’ Impact on Patient Experience
The instantly recognizable Duke blue scrubs have an intangible impact on the patient experience as well. The consistent Duke blues reinforce patients’ trust in the staff and remind them they are being cared for within an integrated healthcare system.
The signature color helps humanize impersonal hospital settings. Patients feel at ease seeing vibrant Duke blue uniforms throughout their stay instead of isolated doctors and nurses. It promotes a friendlier, approachable environment.
In pediatric settings, the soft blue color and unified appearance is especially comforting for children. The cheerful blue scrubs seem less intimidating.
Across all demographics, the iconic Duke blues trigger a positive association with Duke’s tradition of world-class care. While subtle, this branding impact creates a reassuring mindset that supports the healing process.
Conclusion
Duke University Health System’s signature light blue scrubs have become an indelible part of their identity since being introduced in 1930. The specific Pantone 542 C Duke blue color is unique to Duke and immediately recognizable.
Authentic Duke scrubs are available at campus stores or through licensed medical apparel brands. All patient care staff across dozens of Duke facilities consistently wear the Duke blues. Beyond branding, the scrubs play a vital role in infection control efforts. Most importantly, they contribute to a positive, trust-building patient experience. The iconic Duke blue scrubs will remain a beloved symbol of the health system for decades to come.
