 |
You can compare lab coats according to need, style, cut and color. The traditional lab coat is not fitted, knee-length, has lapels and full-length sleeves. Usually it has three to five buttons and two patch pockets on each side.
But no matter the style and need, a lab coat’s look of functionality is somehow highlighted in a lab coat with a small patch pocket near the chest area where you can put your pens. Instead of buttons, the lab coat can have snaps or zippers for greater protection. For better safety, cuffs can be elasticized so that the sleeves can be protected from being dragged.
You can compare lab coats from profession to profession. Those working in medical laboratories opt for the white cotton or cotton/polyester blend. Although more stain resistant, this kind of fabric may react with some substances that may come into contact with the lab coat.
For the medical practitioners, the lab coat not only serves to protect the doctor, but also is a symbol of his expertise. For other hospital or clinic workers, the lab coat is merely symbolic to identify them as part of the medical staff. Therefore the choice of material has greater flexibility. Even knitted fleece is an option. This group may opt for a less formal and relaxed style. So, a simple cardigan styled half-length lab coat without lapels but with three-quarter sleeves may be good.
Some types of lab coats are counter coats, white staff coats, pocket-less coats, or specialized cuffed type of coats. Most lab coats are constructed from tightly woven cotton/polyester blends of not have less than 35% cotton content. The 100% cotton lab coats are more durable and washable. However, most non-disposable lab coats rarely last more than a year in regular use.
Compare lab coats also according to material. If you are on a low budget, there are nonflammable and nonporous disposal lab coats treated with a flame-resistant material that slows down combustion. Just be aware that treated lab coats degrade fast with repeated washing of the lab coat.
The more expensive lab coats, like the branded Indura, uses a special finishing technology over its unique fabric called Nomex. When exposed to heat, this fabric provides a unique thermal protection because it thickens and carbonizes. Because of this characteristic, frequent washing does not affect the lab coat’s effectiveness in protecting you from heat.
Disposable coats with tightly woven fabric that is anti-static and lint free are also recommendable if your work involves hazardous or sensitive chemicals. Acid-resistant lab coats also protect you better from mineral acids. These types of lab coats protect the lab worker from splashes or spills from the dangerous or infectious chemicals. Imagine the lab worker’s degree of vulnerability if there were no barrier between chemicals and his skin. Aside from the hygienic benefits, these lab coats are highly breathable. However, the lab coats become ineffective if they are severely strained or torn, thus they must be disposed immediately.
In color and pattern choice, other lab coats differ from the traditional lab coats. Again, for people working with sensitive substances, it is important that the coat is white so that the wearer is immediately alerted of the presence of any spill and therefore be able to change his lab coat if needed.
However, solid colored lab coats are now being preferred as the wearer’s form of self-expression or identity of his field of study. There are professors who may wear black because their students wear the traditional white coat. Surgeons take on the teal colored coat while hospital staffs are differentiated by the color they wear; nurses, pink; radiologists, blue, etc.
Lab coats are also available in floral prints or other shape-based patterns. Pediatricians wear lab coats that are printed with small cartoon characters, planets or stars because this is a more friendly sight to children than the traditional white lab coat.