When you first discover that you will be needing a disposable lab coat, you may procrastinate and think you can pick one out in a hurry, just before you need it. Unfortunately, all disposable lab coats are not created equal, and you want to do your homework before choosing one.

Know Your Need

The first step in choosing a disposable lab coat is working out what for what you will need in a disposable lab coat. For example, will you be working with chemicals or animals? Will you need a lab coat that is water resistant? How about length? Is that going to be a factor in the role in which you’ll be using your lab coat? You need to evaluate your job, or your reason for needing a disposable lab coat, and decide exactly why you need it. The most common reason for choosing a disposable lab coat is that someone is working with animals or with biological hazards.

Now that you know why you need a disposable lab coat, let’s take a look at a few different options available.

Water resistant

One of the first things you need to consider is whether or not you will need a lab coat that is water resistant. If you are working with any type of contaminant or anything that will be messy, you might want to consider a water resistant disposable lab coat. Disposable lab coats keep you from being contaminated because you can choose one that is lined with an anti-microbial layer. It will protect you from blood or hazardous wastes if that is something you require.

Pockets

Another characteristic you should consider is whether or not you need a pocket on your lab coat. If you work in an industry where you need to keep a pen or small gadgets nearby, you might want a lab coat that offers a pocket option. However, if you work with animals, a pocket might be one more thing that can get in the way.

Fire Retardant

Does your role require that you choose a lab coat that is fire retardant? If you work with chemicals or in any occupation where a flame might be used, you definitely want a disposable lab coat that is fire retardant. Any time fire and chemicals are involved, you want to make sure you take the necessary precautions.

Knit Cuffs

If you work with hazardous materials, you should purchase a lab coat that has knit cuffs. These cuffs will help keep any dangerous materials from coming up your sleeves. If you work with chemicals or biological waste, it is incredibly important that you keep your skin protected.

Closures

Another very important thing you must consider before buying a disposable lab coat is what type of closure you will want. If you work with biologics, it is required that you choose a lab coat with back or side closures. Other disposable lab coats have front closures. Determine which type works for you.

As you can see, disposable lab coats are all definitely not created equal. There are a number of different combinations of characteristics on a lab coat, and the proper one should be chosen.