Medical Lab Coats: What Are Your Options?

Medical lab coats have come a long way from the old one style fits all white variety. Now, they come in so many variations, its practically like shopping for clothes to decide which one you want. There are choices to be made in style, length, material and color.

What type of lab coat is best for you is going to depend on what your job function is, as well as personal preference. Medical lab coats perform two basic functions. They protect your normal clothing and they serve as a type of uniform that can generate instant respect and attention from a patient.

One thing you need to think about, then, when choosing the length of your lab coat, is how much protection your clothing is likely to need. If you are taking and/or handling a number of specimens, for example, you may want a longer style coat. If you are working in a lab, for example, this will probably be the wisest choice. On the other hand, if you are working around a lot of equipment, a shorter type may be safer as it will be less likely to get in the way. Someone who performs primarily consultations will have more freedom to choose according to personal preference.

Styles vary immensely, and can range from the traditional boxy style to ones that are cut more like suit jackets, and quite stylish. Another design choice is going to be the size and quantity of pockets. Here again, you want to consider your particular job and what you may need to keep in those pockets such as medical instruments and reference guides.

There are some different options in materials, usually cotton or a cotton and polyester blend. Cotton is often more comfortable and breathes a bit better. But the blend stands up to more regular use and washing. These coats stay neater looking and are easier to clean as well.

There are also wide variety of colors in lab coats available on the market. If you are a surgeon, chances are you will opt for the standard white variety. If you are not required to wear white, a color can be a nice change of pace. It can also help to set people at ease. There is a syndrome literally referred to as white coat fever, where people have fear reactions such as a spike in blood pressure when going to the doctor.

Whatever role you play in whichever part of the medical industry, there is a medical lab coat that works for you. Or you can try a few different types to give yourself a change. They can even be embroidered with your name to give them personalization.

For free tips and information on colored lab coats visit Lab Coat Blog.