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The lab coat is an essential piece of protective clothing for medical professionals. Unfortunately studies have shown that some patients, especially children, associate lab coats with painful procedures. That’s why colored lab coats have become popular in many regions as way to keep medical workers protected while easing patients’ anxiety.

Lab coats are essential in many scientific and medical fields. They protect the workers’ street clothes and sometimes their skin as well from biological or chemical spills. Originally used by doctors to protect their clothes from blood and other bodily fluids, this protective garb is used widely today in many scientific fields. Among those who wear lab coats regularly are doctors, nurses, pharmacists and various other health care professionals; veterinarians and their assistants; technicians in all kinds of laboratories, along with scientists, chemists and electronics technicians, among others.

As one nurse wrote on a bulletin board about why she wears colored lab coats: “It serves me 3 purposes: keeps me warm, has lots of pockets, covers up my butt.”

For instance, in many hospitals only senior medical staff has the privilege of wearing long lab coats, while interns and residents wear shorter, jacket-style consultation coats. Lab technicians, phlebotomists (people who draw and analyze blood samples) and others may wear long coats with elasticized sleeves or sleeves ending in knit cuffs to fit snugly. This keeps the sleeve from dragging through a biological or chemical sample, or catching on a piece of a equipment.

Originally lab coats were made of linen when they were first introduced in the mid-19th century. Today lab coats benefit from the durability and spill resistance of natural fibers combined with synthetics.

The most popular fabric for colored lab coats is a 35/65 cotton-polyester blend fabric. This material is comfortable and lightweight, resists stains and wrinkles and can be treated with flame and chemical retardants. While a basic unisex lab coat can be purchased for as little as $20, colored lab coats that are treated with retardants can cost $100 or more.

Because they’re meant to protect workers, lab coats are made to be taken off quickly if something spills on them. Long coats usually snap or button, while sleeveless lab jackets and tunic-style lab coats may close with zippers.

A basic unisex white lab coat can be purchased for $20 or less, while colored lab coats cost $25 to $35 dollars for both men’s and women’s styles. Long lab coats typically come in light blue, navy, gray or green, with tan and burgundy coats available by special order.

Whatever the style, the successful colored lab coat is one that provides the best protection for its wearer.

For free tips and information on medical lab coats visit Lab Coats Blog.