Uniforms for lab technicians

Lab technicians spend the day around centrifuges, analysers, sample racks and reagents. Their work is precise and often fast, and their uniform has two jobs: protect their clothes, and stay out of the way of the equipment.

Whether you are an MLT student starting practicals or a technician in a hospital or diagnostic lab, here is how to think about your uniform.

Lab coat, scrubs, or both

Most labs use one of these combinations:

• Lab coat over your own clothes. Common for students and smaller labs. The coat comes off when you leave the bench.
• Scrubs with a lab coat on top. Common in hospital labs. Scrubs are the base uniform, and the coat is added at the bench.
• Scrubs alone. Some departments use scrubs for sample collection areas and wear coats only in specific sections.

Your lab or college decides which applies. Follow its uniform and safety policy, including any protective equipment it requires. A cloth coat is a uniform item; it is not a replacement for the protective gear your lab specifies.

What to look for in a lab coat

• Front closure that stays closed. Buttons all the way down so the coat does not swing open over the bench.
• Sleeves at the wrist. Long enough to cover your arms, not so long that cuffs dip into racks or brush against tubes.
• Room across the back. You reach forward constantly. A coat that pulls at the shoulders is tiring and tends to be left unbuttoned, which defeats its purpose.
• Pockets for a marker, pen and small notebook, but not so deep that you are tempted to carry heavy things.

Our lab coat is a lighter poly-cotton, made for students and technicians, sizes XS to XXL. It is light enough for long hours in a warm lab and washes easily.

Fit around equipment

A loose coat that flaps is a hazard near spinning equipment and open flames in teaching labs. A tight coat is uncomfortable and gets left open. Aim for the middle:

• Buttoned, the coat should sit close to the body without pulling.
• Sleeves should not hang past your wrist bone.
• Tie long hair back and keep ID cards and lanyards from dangling over the bench.

Measure your chest over the clothes you wear under the coat and compare with the size chart. If you fall between two sizes, choose the larger one.

Scrubs for lab staff

If your lab uses scrubs as the base uniform, a roomier cut works well for long hours of standing and reaching. The unisex round-neck scrub set has a straight cut, three pockets and a drawstring pant, in navy and grey. Women who prefer a shaped fit often choose the women’s V-neck set.

Washing a lab coat

Lab coats should be washed regularly, and immediately if something is spilled on them. Some general habits:

• Do not take a contaminated coat home in your bag with other clothes. Follow your lab’s policy on handling soiled coats.
• Wash coats separately from household laundry.
• Wash warm and line dry in shade; ironing helps a white coat look fresh.
• Treat stains quickly, before they set.

Having two coats means you are never forced to wear one that should be in the wash.

When to replace a coat

Replace your lab coat when:

• Stains no longer come out and the coat looks grey or yellowed.
• Cuffs are frayed or the fabric has thinned at the elbows.
• Buttons keep falling off or the buttonholes have stretched.
• It no longer fits comfortably over your usual clothes.

Wrapping up

A technician’s uniform should stay closed, stay out of the equipment and wash easily. Choose a coat that fits over your clothes with room to reach, follow your lab’s safety rules, and keep a spare. When you are ready, pick your size on the lab coat page and order on WhatsApp.