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There is a direct relationship between keeping a lab organized and neat and the accuracy of the results obtained, not to mention the personnel's safety. While the laboratory coat offers a certain level of safety to the personnel, it also protects the laboratory. This article presents the importance of laboratory coats stressing the etiquette and hygienic standards of laboratory coat use, its design, and materials.
Why is Hygiene Important in a Laboratory?
There are microorganisms, toxic substances, and certain harmful chemicals in a lab that are harmful to the equipment and materials. Eliminating a need for monitoring and controlling every laboratory individually to avoid cross contamination would greatly improve the order and clutter overall in the laboratory. This is essential for the quality of laboratory work, and in turn, infections for the scientists and technicians present. This is where a lab coat is required. The lab coat is the first line of defense against contamination and also protects from chemical spills, splashes, or particulates that are airborne in the lab.
Lab coat fabric considerations
Lab coats can be made from different combinations of materials, such as a polyester, a cotton and an acrylic blend, which provides some level of protection from biological and chemical risks. Every coat is specific to a certain activity and uses a material most ideal for that activity. Liquid resistant fabrics which waterproof lab coats are an example of some coats that do offer protection. Comfort is also taken into consideration, for example lab coats made out of cotton allow some form of air circulation which is useful for ease of use during lab hours. Clinics and hospitals need to understand the different qualities that various fabrics have to enable them to select the most appropriate lab coat.
Selection of the tissue sample collection sites
New lab coats come with adjustable cuffs, reinforced seams, and pockets which increases protection and comfort making them multifunctional. Other lab coats which have antimicrobial fabrics inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, keeping the lab coat clean. Lab technicians need to have the right comfort alongside the right protection. The lab coats for comfort and protection that are described in this article were made to respond to the various needs of laboratory personnel.
Proper Guidelines for Lab Coats
Like all specialized personal protective equipment, lab coats are only hygienic if they are worn, washed, and stored properly. For lab coats to maintain hygiene, they should be worn only in the lab and removed outside to prevent cross-contamination. From the personal hygiene perspective, lab coats as a part of personal hygiene should be worn properly and cleaned, while lab coats need to be sanitized correctly. In addition, risk control measures such as wearing appropriate lab coats for each assigned activity, biological and chemical lab coats worn for specific tasks, add further protection.
Notice Within the Organization: Issuance of New Lab Coats
Updating procedures in the laboratory is a step in the right direction as multifunctional and stylistic elements of lab coats are being further explored. Some of the smart textiles currently used are capable of monitoring as well as sending a warning to the user if specific levels of temperature and humidity are surpassed. There is a focus on the sustainability of lab coats in regards to the materials used and the processes applied in their production. These improvements do not only modernize the lab but help in the mitigation of *H *lab *C *ontamination of the garments.
Hygiene is a key H*C metric, and lab coats play an important role in maintaining this metric. Compliance with policies and proper materials used mitigates risks, and supports safety and productivity in the lab. Compliance with policies and proper materials used mitigates risks, and supports safety and productivity in the lab.