Doctor’s Lab Coats

Filed under: Lab Coats — john at 7:50 am on Thursday, March 30, 2006

The best clothing selection for doctors is the white doctor’s lab coat. Today, the white doctor’s lab coat has become the universal symbol of respect and trust for medical practitioners. In the mid-1800s, the doctors did not wear white lab coats. The scientists who wore them projected a more respectable image. Wanting to gain the high authority/credibility look, the doctors started wearing white lab coats, too.

There have been arguments about the real purpose of doctor’s lab coats. Some say these are worn so that the doctors can be distinguished from the patients. However, the lab coat   actually serves a number of vital purposes. When a doctor uses a lab coat, it conveys several different messages. First, lab coats give an appearance of professionalism. The lab coat becomes a symbol of the doctor’s expertise. In his study of attitudes toward appropriate attire of healthcare providers, Dr. Lawrence J. Brandt stated that most patients regard more highly doctors who sport a white lab coat than those who wear a professional attire. The doctor’s physical appearance strongly influenced a patient’s opinion of the medical care he or she is getting.

Second, the doctor’s lab coats actually intend to provide maximum protection. The lab coat’s tightly woven fabric protects the doctor’s skin from splashes or spills from dangerous or infectious chemicals. Imagine the doctor’s degree of vulnerability   if there were no barrier between chemicals and his skin.   They have a cloth-like fabric that is anti-static and lint free. However, lab coats become ineffective if they are severely strained or torn, thus they must be removed instantly. 

Thirdly, lab coats are meant to be functional for the doctors because of the pockets on them. Doctors can have pens and papers to bring and so a lab coats is a beneficial and necessary attire.

Doctor’s lab coats can be rayon, cotton, or satin. They also vary in print and color. But in choosing a lab coat, doctors keep in mind   the policies of the institution where they work or their specialization. Some wear long or short lab coats, depending on the kind of responsibilities expected of them in the institution. The longer their white lab coats are, the more prestigious they look. Pediatricians don lab coats printed with small cartoon characters, planets or stars because this is a more friendly sight to children than the start while traditional coat.  Other doctors also prefer to have a printed logo on pocket with embroidered individual names for that professional look.

Comfort and practicality are also another set of factors in deciding from the different styles of lab coats for medical profession. Standard length is approximately 36 inches and longer length is approximately 41 inches. Left chest pocket and two hip pockets offer convenience and our back vent add comfort.

There 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. 

Like any other safety equipment, doctor’s lab coats must be worn properly to be able to serve its purpose.  An open lab coat courts danger whenever there are stray spills, which is why the right snap, button or zipper should really close the lab coat.  The sleeves must extend past the wrists, not rolled up.  Cuffs can be elasticized so that the sleeves can be protected from being dragged.

Great choices for doctor’s lab coats can be ordered online. Some of these vendors of   are real uniform companies and not just the usual web site. You quickly get up-to-date styles and even advisories about special purchases. Visit Automotive WorkWear or Doctors Lab Coat. Popular styles for men and women are available.