Can I wear my lab coat outside the laboratory?

A lab coat is one of the most significant pieces of clothing worn by people in the medical and healthcare field, as well as other industries like manufacturing. But can you wear a lab coat outside of the laboratory?

Standard lab coats extend to the knees and are required for any work in the laboratory. They should be buttoned completely to protect skin and clothing from splatter and spills. Lab coats are also loose-fitting by design so, in case of hazardous contact like fire or chemical, it is much faster and easier to remove a laboratory coat than normal clothes. It may be tempting to leave your lab coat on when you’re outside the laboratory but ultimately, the answer is no - you shouldn’t wear your lab coat outside the lab premises.

Laboratory coats and other personal protective equipment like gloves, must not be worn in common areas like lobbies, cafeterias, conference rooms, or offices. In other types of laboratories, a lab coat may be worn when traveling in a corridor between laboratories or support rooms, such as a cold room or an instrument room. On the other hand, medical and healthcare personnel working in areas where there is a high risk of contamination or airborne illnesses such as COVID-19, have to wear personal protective equipment such as N95 Masks, surgical masks, shoe covers, gloves, head covers and gowns. These cannot be worn outside the medical laboratory.

Why do we use lab coats?

White lab coats are worn to provide a barrier between your clothing and potentially hazardous materials, like chemicals or biological agents, that you may encounter during work. Lab coats play a role in helping protect workers and others from potential exposure to harmful substances, and maintaining a clean and controlled environment for scientific or medical research.

Lab coats are usually made from a durable fabric, such as cotton or polyester, and are designed to be loose-fitting to provide maximum coverage whilst allowing range of motion. Lab coats often have long sleeves to cover the arms, and may feature cuffs or other closures to help prevent accidental exposure.

Another benefit of wearing a lab coat is that they serve as a visual indicator of a person's role and responsibilities within a laboratory or healthcare setting. They can help to identify individuals who are authorised to handle hazardous materials or who are designated to handle specific cases.

Where is it appropriate to wear a lab coat?

In general, lab coats are designed to be worn inside the laboratory or working environment. Lab coats are meant to protect you and your clothing from chemicals, biological agents, and other hazardous materials.

It is not recommended to wear lab coats outside of the laboratory, especially in a cafeteria where you need will to handle food. This is because lab coats can become contaminated with hazardous materials, which could be spread to other areas or individuals outside of the laboratory. Aside from the fact that lab coats may not be an appropriate attire for certain settings and could be viewed as unprofessional or inappropriate.

If you need to wear a coat or jacket outside of the laboratory, you can wear a different coat that is appropriate for the setting. If you need to transport items that have been in the laboratory, like lab equipment, it is recommended to use a separate bag or container that is designated for this purpose instead.

Should lab coats be taken home?

Lab coats are considered personal protective equipment (PPE) and should be treated as such to prevent the spread of any potential contaminants. Therefore, you should not take lab coats home, especially if they are used in research or clinical settings where they may possibly get contaminated.

Lab coats should be sent for laundering either by a contracted laundry service or by using an on-site washer and dryer, if available. Doing so prevents any potential contaminants from spreading and makes sure the lab coat is ready for reuse. On the other hand, if the lab coat is visibly contaminated or stained that even laundering cannot handle, it should be properly disposed of and replaced with a new one.