Here are a few reasons why you should use a lab coat
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Almost every single doctor, nurse, surgeon or researcher in the medical field, will tell you that a good lab coat is extremely important during your work as a staff in the medical field. This not only applies to researchers, but even nurses and other support staff, as a good lab coat protects you from any accidents that might occur, especially if it concerns substances that might prove to be harmful to your physical body.
Even though the common perception of lab coats is that it must be white, you will be surprised to know that today, lab coats come in many different colors. One main reason for this being so, is for the purpose of identification. With different colored lab coats being assigned to different staff, the identification of the many roles that each staff plays becomes much easier.
Though it is common to find most medical institutions issuing white lab coats to the doctors, it is not mandatory. You will also find that most nurses and staff, who play a supporting role, will be issued green or blue lab coats. Either way, different institutions will have different guidelines; none of which are wrong.
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.
A common guideline that is employed by many recognized medical institution, is to always discard your lab coat if it is contaminated, and send it for cleaning at a specialized cleaning facility, immediately. This is extremely important, as doing so prevents any type of contamination from occurring. Also, it will prevent anyone else from getting harmed by and toxic substances that might be found on your stained lab coat.
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.
Because of these different ways in which a lab coat can protect you from physical harm, you should always remember the importance of having a good lab coat. So, always remember to wear a lab coat during your course of work.
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