Laboratory Professionals Member Community

I recently moved to California and started a job in a hospital laboratory. I immediately noticed that the phlebotomists here wear their lab coats to process samples and then wear those same lab coats while drawing inpatients. In my previous experience, phlebotomists were not allowed to wear lab coats for collection of inpatients. They wore their gloves and if desired, a scrub lab jacket. If there were contact or droplet precautions in a specific room, they wear the appropriate PPE. My question is, is it ok for phlebotomists to wear the same lab coats worn while processing (and setting up Micro samples) to collect inpatients? Also, is there a California law that comes into play that requires this?

Hi Martha,

     Although this is common, I don't think phlebotomists should wear their (PPE) lab coats in patient rooms.  It is my opinion that lab coats should not leave the lab.  If it is widely accepted that lab coats shouldn't be worn in the cafeteria, break room, and other clean areas, then why is it an accepted practice to wear them in patient rooms?  Some raise concerns that phlebotomists need protection from patient bodily fluids.  What about all the other hospital staff and patient visitors who interact with the patient that don't wear lab coats?  Clinical staff collect sputum, stool, start/maintain IVs, collect urines, bath the patient and many other activities I am unfamiliar with.  I look forward to your thoughts!

I recently moved to California and started a job in a hospital laboratory. I immediately noticed that the phlebotomists here wear their lab coats to process samples and then wear those same lab coats while drawing inpatients. In my previous experience, phlebotomists were not allowed to wear lab coats for collection of inpatients. They wore their gloves and if desired, a scrub lab jacket. If there were contact or droplet precautions in a specific room, they wear the appropriate PPE. My question is, is it ok for phlebotomists to wear the same lab coats worn while processing (and setting up Micro samples) to collect inpatients? Also, is there a California law that comes into play that requires this?

I agree that lab coats should not be typically worn unless there is a procedural need for PPE. I think of nasal and NP swab collections where the patient can cough and sneeze. Those would be times to wear a face shield, mask, and disposable aprons or jackets. A coat used for several days at a time without being washed is not the best practice for patient safety or personal protection. It's better than nothing, but usually you're concerned when there is some contact or other precautions per the patient or procedure. 

I like the recognition and uniformity a lab coat brings to the collection staff because it can help the patient designate who was collecting them while displaying them as professionals. Is it necessary or recommended?  Probably not. But if they have a process to get the coats cleaned on a regular basis, I don't see a major issue with it.  I would say most places don't do this. Just depends on the institution's policy and culture. 

Hi Martha,

     Although this is common, I don't think phlebotomists should wear their (PPE) lab coats in patient rooms.  It is my opinion that lab coats should not leave the lab.  If it is widely accepted that lab coats shouldn't be worn in the cafeteria, break room, and other clean areas, then why is it an accepted practice to wear them in patient rooms?  Some raise concerns that phlebotomists need protection from patient bodily fluids.  What about all the other hospital staff and patient visitors who interact with the patient that don't wear lab coats?  Clinical staff collect sputum, stool, start/maintain IVs, collect urines, bath the patient and many other activities I am unfamiliar with.  I look forward to your thoughts!

I recently moved to California and started a job in a hospital laboratory. I immediately noticed that the phlebotomists here wear their lab coats to process samples and then wear those same lab coats while drawing inpatients. In my previous experience, phlebotomists were not allowed to wear lab coats for collection of inpatients. They wore their gloves and if desired, a scrub lab jacket. If there were contact or droplet precautions in a specific room, they wear the appropriate PPE. My question is, is it ok for phlebotomists to wear the same lab coats worn while processing (and setting up Micro samples) to collect inpatients? Also, is there a California law that comes into play that requires this?