How should lab gowns be designed?

Lab gowns should be designed with a back closing feature to enhance safety and support proper hygiene practices in the laboratory environment. This design minimizes the risk of contamination by ensuring that the gown covers the wearer completely and cannot be easily dislodged during laboratory procedures. A back closing gown typically is secured with ties or snaps that keep it snug against the body, reducing the likelihood of gaps through which contaminants could enter or escape.

Additionally, back closing gowns are easier to put on and take off without requiring assistance, thus promoting compliance with personal protective equipment (PPE) policies. This is particularly important when working with hazardous materials or in areas where exposure to biological agents is a concern. The design prevents the wearer from inadvertently touching potentially contaminated surfaces with their skin or clothing.

The other designs such as front closing gowns may not provide the same level of protection because they can be easier to open unintentionally, possibly exposing the wearer to risks. Color coding may serve as a visual signal for different gowns but does not directly contribute to protection against contamination or exposure. Lead-lined gowns are not relevant in most laboratory settings as they are typically used for radiation protection in specific contexts, such as X-ray or nuclear medicine environments.