Whether you are a doctor or a scientist, you need to first figure out what you really want in your perfect lab coat. Yes, did you know that there are many differences between Medical Lab Coats and scientist lab coats? While buying, there are several key things you should check to decide what you should buy.

Remember that doctor lab coats do not fit scientists since they work in entirely different environments. While doctors deal with patients with health issues and diseases scientists work in laboratories with chemicals. That is why you will see that most of the doctor-centric lab coats come with an improved design but these are unsuitable for scientists. These should not be used in chemistry labs. Let us check out why.

1. Fabric

When it comes to medical and clinical lab coats, these usually use fabrics with a high content of polyester, or other synthetic fibers such as rayon or spandex. These make effective fluid barriers which is great in a medical setting, but not in the research setting. These are not a good option around heat and flames since they have higher chances of melting onto your skin and trapping you inside.

2. Special Treatments To The Coat Material

The high-end medical lab coats often come with stain-resistant or antimicrobial coatings in which chemicals are added to the fabric. However, these chemicals tend to increase flammability. Plus, these can also react with splashes of chemicals used in the labs. Also, chemistry lab coats are often washed at very high temperatures (150 F or higher) and with powerful chemicals that may damage the antimicrobial coatings in medical lab coats.

3. Collar Type

Traditional medical lab coats come with an open lapel collar which may not be suitable in front of waste containers and splashes in chemistry labs. That is why scientist lab coats are available with a collar that snaps from the bottom to the collar bone. This type is called a Howie collar. 

4. Sleeve Cuffs and Buttons 

Doctor’s coats have loose and straight cuffs while lab coats usually have knit cuff sleeves for better safety and maximum protection. Just like that while doctors prefer large threaded plastic buttons on the front scientists prefer sanps since these are easy to open, especially during an emergency.

Now that you know the key differences between medical lab coats and scientist lab coats, you can easily buy what you need as per your professional requirements.