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Lab Coat Laundry Procedures
First Year Students: Each student should purchase at least two disposable lab coats prior to the start of classes. We recommend purchasing 6 for the first year. The Health Affairs Bookstore has disposable coats available which have been tested for blood & body fluid resistance. Coats in use must remain in the student laboratory, and you will want to have at least one clean coat in the lab in case yours is soiled and must be discarded.
Second Year Students: UNC Hospitals will provide laundry service for senior CLS students free of charge. Participation is mandatory, and we strongly recommend that you utilize the service frequently as part of safe laboratory practice. Infection control guidelines for the hospital state that lab coats are not to be taken out of the laboratory area. The Core Laboratory will coordinate the handling of the lab coats. Details on the procedure are outlined below:
- Labeling: You will need a minimum of two coats to participate. On the inside back of the collar, you should put your last name, “Core Lab”, and the number 1002 using a permanent marker/laundry marker. A suitable marking pen is available in the CLS Office.
- Drop-Off Location: A white cloth laundry hamper is located in the back of Core lab.
- Pick-Up Location: Clean lab coats are returned to the Core Lab; personnel can show you the location. Turn around time may be slow. Neither the hospital nor the CLS Division can assume responsibility for lost lab coats. However, in the event that a coat is lost or that all of your lab coats are soiled, the CLS office has a supply of coats to be used on a loan basis.
MMDS Students: Instructions for laundering lab coats will be provided at orientation.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact Dr. Beck or Mrs. Stewart.