What Is a Disposable White Coat?
A disposable white coat (disposable lab coat, single-use lab coat) is a lab coat intended for onetime use only. It is worn over plain clothes, student uniforms, work clothes, suits, etc.
There are resin (polypropylene, vinyl, nylon, etc.) and cloth coats for various uses, and the most appropriate one is used depending on the intended use. Disposable white coats are used in high school and university chemistry experiments, hospitals (surgery, treatment of infectious diseases), and food processing sites.
Uses of Disposable White Coats
Uses of disposable white coats include:
- Experiments for students in high school and college chemistry experiments
- Treatment in the infectious disease ward of the hospital
- Dental treatments
- Father’s presence at birth
- Food processing plant
- Electronic component manufacturing site
- House mold removal work
- Spray painting work
Since there are different types of disposable white coats, it is important to choose the type that best suits the installation environment and the intended use.
Types of Disposable White Coats
There are two types of disposable white coats: plastic and cloth.
1. Disposable White Coat Made of Plastic
The greatest feature of this product is that it can be mass-produced in factories, although there is a possibility of allergic reactions when it comes into contact with the skin because it is made from chemicals. Since they can be mass-produced in factories, their cost is lower than that of fabrics, which is another attractive point. Although disposable lab coats cannot be reused, they can be recycled again as resin material through material recycling.
Currently, disposable white coats made of resin are the mainstream. From the perspective of the circular economy, it is desirable to use mainly disposable white coats made of resin, which can be turned in a closed loop.
2. Disposable White Coats Made of Cloth
It is ideal for people with sensitive skin, as it does not irritate the skin when worn. Also, because it is made of cloth, it can be washed and reused instead of being thrown away.
Other Information on Disposable White Coats
Advantages of Disposable White Coats
Prevent the Spread of Pathogens
In laboratories where microorganisms and bacteria are studied and in hospitals where infectious diseases are treated, discarding lab coats after each operation prevents pathogens from remaining in the laboratory or work area. When white coats are used for a variety of purposes, they must be carefully cleaned to keep them clean at all times, but inadequate cleaning may result in the presence of pathogens.
In addition, several people, including those involved in the cleaning process, may come into contact with contaminated lab coats. Using disposable white coats eliminates the risk of spreading pathogens from contaminated white coats and protects worker safety.
Prevent Worker Exposure to Chemicals
In places where chemicals are handled, wearing a lab coat can prevent workers’ clothes from being soiled by chemicals and prevent them from being exposed to chemicals on their skin, causing chemical wounds. However, the use of a disposable lab coat can cause the chemicals on the lab coat to permeate and harm the worker.
The use of disposable white coats eliminates the risk of wearing a chemically contaminated white coat, thereby reducing chemical injury to as close to zero as possible.
Prevent Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination refers to the spread of contamination when an object that has become highly contaminated due to the attachment of pathogens or bacteria comes into contact with a less contaminated object. Cross-contamination is a serious problem in pharmaceutical manufacturing and food processing.
Using the same lab coat over and over not only increases the risk of cross-contamination by pathogens and bacteria, but also the detergent used to clean the lab coat and the lab coat fiber itself can cause cross-contamination. Disposable white coats are an effective means of eliminating these risks.
Hassle-Free
In places where contamination can lead to serious problems, the work environment must be kept at a high level of cleanliness at all times. As mentioned above, the risk of cross-contamination exists when white coats are used, so thorough cleaning and cleanliness control is required to prevent problems, which require time and effort to manage. By using disposable white coats, the cleanliness of white coats can be maintained at a high level at all times, eliminating the need for management.