Any doctor, nurse, surgeon or support staff that is working in a medical institution will immediately tell you that your lab coat is a vital part of your daily work. Especially if you are a researcher dealing with highly toxic chemicals that are being experimented with, you will find that your lab coat is an extremely fundamental component that is used to protect you from any accidents that might occur during your course of work.

If you have the impression that most lab coats are white, you might be surprised to know that today, there are lab coats available in any color your could possible want. Even though the color of the lab coat does not necessarily mean anything significant, colors are useful in differentiating the many roles that different individuals play in any large medical institution, whereby everyone can be identified by the color of their lab coats.

Traditionally, doctors are assigned the white lab coats, whereas other staff members, who assist the doctors, are normally assigned green or blue lab coats. However, it is important to note that different organizations will distribute the color of lab coats different, as there is no universal guideline to follow.

You might also be surprised to know that there is actually more than one type of lab coat. Most lab coats are made from treated cotton, but today, there are lab coats made from all sorts of materials, designed specifically to give you maximum protection from specific chemicals and substances you might be handling. Also, there are disposable lab coats that allow you to dispose them easily and cleanly, without having to constantly send your lab coat for washing.

However, there is a common and general rule of thumb to follow concerning lab coats. Once a lab coat is stained or contaminated by a chemical, it is very important that you remove your lab coat and send it to professional chemical cleaners immediately. This is normally done to prevent any further contamination of other chemicals, or in some cases, to prevent any physical harm that might happen because of exposure of the split chemical or substance.

For lab coats that are severely contaminated, it is advisable for you to discard them immediately, and replace them with a new one. It is important to note, that these lab coats should be disposed of carefully, and not be mixed together with the rest of the common trash. Once again, this is to prevent further contamination, as the lab coats have already been contaminated with unwanted substances.

One important thing to keep in mind, regarding the usage of lab coats, is that you should always remember to wear your lab coat properly at all times. If this is not done so, the lab coat will prove ineffective in protecting you from harmful substances, in the case of any accident that might occur. You should always use all the zippers and buttons necessary, to ensure that you are well protected. Also, it is important your sleeves extend past your wrists.