subject: Technicians Favor Colored Lab Coats [print this page] Lab coats play an important role in medical and scientific laboratories. Since white lab coats have come to be associated with doctors, many workers in other specialties have begun to favor colored lab coats.
Lab coats play an integral role in many fields, as they protect scientific and medical professionals and technicians of all kinds from contaminants. These typically include biological or chemical spills, but even automotive technicians these days wear colored lab coats to protect their clothing from grease, oil and gasoline. Besides doctors, nurses and other medical professionals, those who wear colored lab coats regularly include scientists, chemists, electronics technicians and veterinarians.
When choosing among colored lab coats it's important to look first for a style of coat that meets the requirements of the job, and sometimes the protocol of a particular work environment.
For instance, in many hospitals only senior medical staff has the privilege of wearing long lab coats, while interns and residents wear shorter, jacket-style consultation coats. Lab technicians, phlebotomists (people who draw and analyze blood samples) and others may wear long coats with elasticized sleeves or sleeves ending in knit cuffs to fit snugly. This keeps the sleeve from dragging through a biological or chemical sample, or catching on a piece of a equipment.
However, the primary reason to wear a lab coat of any color remains protection. For instance, certain lab technicians or nurses in certain specialties may wear lab coats that have knitted cuffs on the sleeves. This style is design to make the sleeve fit snugly around the wrist, so it doesn't get caught in equipment or drag through a biological sample.
Lab coat styles vary when it comes to pockets although most versions have two large patch pockets and a small breast pocket. The pockets may be designed to hold pens upright so they can be easily accessed.
Most colored lab coats are made from a 35/65 cotton-polyester blend fabric that's lightweight and comfortable. This type of fabric resists stains and wrinkles and can be washed in hot water to remove germs. Colored lab coats in this type of fabric also can be treated to be flame and chemical resistant in case of laboratory accidents.
There are also several styles of colored lab coats. These include: long length, short length, lab jackets, sleeveless lab vests and fitted lab coats tailored for men and women. It's possible to purchase a unisex colored lab coat for as little as $20, but many professionals prefer something with a closer fit.
Yes, colored lab coats offer a happy marriage of protection and style for medical and scientific professionals.
