Why do doctors and scientists wear white lab coats ?

Why do doctors and scientists wear white lab coats?

There is no doubt that white lab coats are one of the most significant symbols associated with the field of medicine and science. A lab coat acts as a protective covering for the skin and personal clothing from incidental contact and small splashes. Lab coats must be worn whenever working in the laboratory or clinical areas. But, have you ever wondered why healthcare professionals choose to dress in white lab coats? Why are lab coats white? What are the benefits of wearing white lab coats?

Why do doctors and scientists wear white lab coats?

One of the most common reasons why doctors, scientists, and other professionals in the medical field choose to wear white is for easy recognition by colleagues and patients. The tradition of wearing lab coats began in the late 1800s, when trained surgeons and physicians began wearing white lab coats as a way to distinguish themselves from fraudulent health care providers and false doctors. Today, the white lab coat serves as a symbol of professionalism and integrity. The wearing of lab coats start as early as in medical school with the “white coat ceremony,” a rite of passage and transition from being a student to becoming a physician.

The lab coats are designed to protect their ordinary day-to-day clothes and generally serve as their basic uniforms. White coats are made from white linen, cotton, or a cotton-polyester blend, making them easy to wash under high temperatures. Some specific professions in the medical field like psychiatry, psychology, and pediatrics, however, try to maximize rapport with patients by deliberately not wearing white coats and wear regular clothing or colourful scrubs instead.

Laboratory coats are a critical component of worker protection in both laboratory and clinical/patient care areas. Aside from distinction, here are some of the amazing benefits of wearing lab coats:

Protective Material - If something splashes onto your lab coat or your coat catches on fire – you can easily take the coat off. Lab coats are generally made of cotton or specialized fabrics that will not melt easily. Many regular clothing items, on the other hand, are made with synthetic fabrics that will melt in heat or fire, causing severe burns.

Prevention from cross-contamination - Keeping your lab coat in the lab prevents spreading contamination from the laboratory to your home.

Safer workspace - A lab coat with a secured cuff will help with keeping your sleeves out of your experiment and will also protect your arms from potential hazardous splashes.

Where did lab coats originate from?

Did you know that up until the late 19th century, doctors only wore black? Yes, you read that right. They never wore any white. The black clothing worn by doctors in the past served a number of practical purposes, including masking soiled clothing and all of the messy stains associated with their line of work. Black attire was, and is, considered formal and until about 1900, physicians wore black for their patient interactions since medical encounters were thought of as serious and formal matters. But let's face it, black was typically associated with death!

Whilst there are many theories on the history of wearing lab coats, the earliest depictions of white lab coats can go as far back to the 1889 painting of “The Agnew Clinic” by Joseph Eakins. Hayes Agnew, MD from the University of Pensylvania was shown wearing a white coat whilst performing surgery, with assistants also clad in white. Historians say the painting helped popularise the wearing of white lab coats. Throughout history, the white lab coat started to symbolise cleanliness and scientific rigor. It not only made doctors and scientists easily distinguishable, but it also made spotting any contamination easier. Its symbolism became even more established in 1989, when a white coat ceremony was first performed for medical school students, marking their transition into the clinical world.

Who else wears a white lab coat?

Aside from the medical field, many professionals are required to wear lab coats as part of their everyday uniforms. White lab coats along with the occasional uniform scrubs are worn for a number of reasons including storage, chemical spills, and also as a status indicator. Here are some of the fields that require the use of lab coats aside from doctors:

Chemists: Laboratories are frequently subjected to spills and splashes that could pose serious health risks. A lab coat is a chemist’s best attempt at personal protection, especially if it is flame-resistant.

Electronic Technicians: Electronic technicians need anti-static lab coats that can withstand the demands of an engineering lab.

Lab Technicians: Lab coats are required when performing lab tests like tissue, blood, and other bodily fluids to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Nurses: Nurses may be required to wear lab coats with deep pockets to carry items they need whilst working.

Veterinarians: Veterinary practice can be a messy job. A lab coat offers protection from organic liquids in the exam room, operating theatre or in the field, reducing the risk of contamination, as well as building confidence in clients.

Pharmacists: Licensed pharmacists traditionally wear long coats to establish authority and trust between them and patients seeking prescriptions or guidance.

Students: A lab coat serves as a barrier that keeps students from being exposed to accidents in the lab and, in some cases, might save them from injury. Kids white lab coats can also make learning more fun. Protective gear like a kid's white lab coat can help promote imagination and increase kids’ confidence in doing lab experiments. Kids white lab coats are easy to put on and off and work well with other compatible items designed for children who love to learn and experiment.

Where can I buy a white lab coat?

If you want to take your laboratory and medical experience to the next level it’s best to buy white lab coats made from high quality materials. Lab Coat Company offers a huge range of lab coat designs to fit your personality. Lab Coat Company’s lab coats are safe, durable, and stylish. Whether you are in the lab, hospital, clinic or practice, you can be assured that your Lab Coat is fit for purpose, allowing you to get on with what you do best. Whether you are wearing your lab coat over scrubs or a suit, you can be assured you are not compromising on quality or style. The quintessential lab coat to convey your professionalism, while providing the comfort and fit to ensure you can get the job done. Find a lab coat that fits your personality or glam up your whole team in a wide range of colours!