Laboratory Gowns for Use by Lab Personnel

Laboratory Gowns (Figure 1)

• Protect the skin and clothing from large droplets of infectious or hazardous materials that may be splattered in the laboratory.
• Gowns must be worn for specimen processing, tuberculosis (TB) culture and drug sensitivity testing (DST).
• The gown must have a solid front and close and tie in the back.
• The gown must have long-sleeves and cuffs.
• For maximum protection, gloves must be pulled over the cuff.

Figure 1: Laboratory Gowns

Laboratory Coats (Apron) (Figure 2)

• Lab coats must be worn when working on specimens and acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smears and not during  TB culture work.
• Lab coats must be made from washable and autoclavable cloth or disposable materials.
• It must be closed up in the front (with snaps, buttons or velcro) and must have long sleeves.
• It must be buttoned till the top at all times in the lab.

Figure 2: Laboratory Coat

Do’s and Don’ts for Laboratory Gowns and Coats​

• The laboratory gown must be laundered once a week and immediately after being overtly contaminated.
• If staff is using a reusable gown, it must be laundered and sterilized as required before reuse.
• Used gowns must be stored in separate cupboards or lockers.
• Hang the gown on designated hooks in the lab.
• Lab gowns must not be worn outside the laboratory, e.g., in communal areas, toilets, offices, etc.
• Staff must wear appropriately sized gowns and coats.
• Lab coats must not be taken home for washing. Laboratory personnel in-charge must arrange for cleaning from the worksite only. Before laundering, the gowns and lab coats must be disinfected or autoclaved.

Resources

• National Guidelines for Infection Prevention and Control in Healthcare Facilities, 2020. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

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