The Importance of
Lab Coats
When most people think of doctors, the first
part of the visual is either the stethoscope or the
lab coat. While doctors are not
the only profession that wears lab coats (scientists in a lab often do too, for
some of the same reasons), it is most strongly associated with medical
settings. Interestingly, however, that crisp, white lab coat is a relatively recent
addition to the doctor's tool kit, but it is one that has a great deal of
importance now.
What Did They Wear Before?
The doctor's wardrobe hasn't always included
the lab coat. It hasn't even always been white. Years ago, when bloodletting
was a more common medical treatment, doctors wore black. This was a practical
choice since black would hide blood
stains and other contamination
well. It was also a stylistic choice, intended to visually signal the
importance and somberness of the profession and remind people of their
mortality. As knowledge of germs and the importance of cleanliness grew,
however, the medical profession need a different look. Black could hide stains
but it could also hide germs. Instead, hospitals (with their bedding), nurses,
and eventually doctors traded the old fabrics for new, fresh, white ones, which
would clearly show any stains or dirt.
Lab Coats Provide
Protection
Safety and protection was a huge part of
switching to white, but it is also a major benefit to the lab coat in general.
As an overcoat, the lab coat is a protective layer. It protects people from
cross-contamination of bacteria. It protects the wearer's arms and torso from
hazardous material, and in the event of a spill, it is easy to take off
(without going over the head). Finally, the lab coat is usually a poly-cotton
blend, which is flame-retardant and resistant to chemicals, offering further
protection for the wearer.
Lab Coats Signal Authority
Remember in the beginning when we said people
strongly associate lab coats with doctors? Well, it's true. So true in fact
that people are unconsciously more inclined to listen to a doctor who is in a
lab coat than someone who isn't, because the coat itself signals
professionalism and authority. This can have the added effect of boosting the
mental wellbeing and
productivity of the doctor wearing the
coat as well.
Lab Coats Are Easy
Finally, lab coats are a simple and easy choice
for medical professionals. It removes some of the work of deciding what to wear
everyday in order to look professional. The lab coat accomplishes this on its
own, because it is what the average person expects to see when looking at a
doctor.
Chesapeake Uniform has been providing uniform rental services for over 30 years to the following areas:
· Maryland
· Delaware
· Washington DC
· Southern Pennsylvania
· Northern Virginia
We pride ourselves on being able to offer our customers the most competitive prices thanks to our national affiliation with ApparelMaster®.
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