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Functionality is primarily what you look for in lab coats. Next you consider style and color. In a functional lab coat, you check its use, material and maintenance.
A lab coat should be able to give you maximum protection such as the following.
- The lab coat must be able to absorb or deflect splashes or spills so that harmful materials are kept off your skin.
- The lab coat must be able to absorb or deflect minute particles that you may not even be aware of, like aerosols, dust and radiological hazards.
- The lab coat must be able to temporarily protect you against flash and fire because even if the coat starts to burn or char, you should ably escape with less serious injuries.
You should also look for the right kind of materials suited for lab coats. 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 effectivity 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.
Based on some manufacturer’s claims, here are the properties that you would look for in a good lab coat.
- Cotton Lab Coats. This type of lab coat is fairly durable, comfortable and lightweight. Cotton lab coats can be treated to enhance its flame resistance, although the resistance may dissipate after repeated laundering. Cotton lab coats can also be Degraded by acids but more resistant to some organic solvents.
- Modacrylic Lab Coats. This type of lab coat is resistant to rips and tears, is abrasion resistant, comfortable, soft and resilient and relatively easy to clean. This lab coat has a Fabric that shrinks in direct flame, will not melt or drip; self-extinguishing; rapidly dissipates when source of ignition is removed. This type of lab coat is also resistant to most chemicals.
- Nylon Lab Coats. This type of lab coat is exceptionally strong and abrasion resistant. Lab coats made out of nylon melt when heated and will usually require an application of flame retardant. This is also not water absorbent but is very lightweight.
- Rayon Lab Coats. Lab coats made of rayon can be easily degraded by acids but are fairly durable otherwise.
Many laboratories will require clean, white lab coats. But remember to look for a lab coat that also gives you the professional look and functional comfort. For example, a lab coat that has a front closure with snap fasteners or with quick release popper buttons is more recommended because it can easily be put on and removed. Look for full-length sleeves that can overlap your gloves and long enough to reach your knees. Coat pockets should be convenient placed preferably NOT with side-slits that allow easy access to any pocket worn underneath.
You would also want to look for a lab coat in color and pattern that suit your style and profession. Aside from the traditional white lab coat, the solid colored lab coat has become 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 differentiate themselves by the color of their lab coats; nurses, pink; radiologists, blue, etc.
Some medical practitioners also look for lab coats with 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.