bip • waterproof lab coat • health tech
Waterproof lab coat for doctors: what it is, how it works, and why it matters in daily clinical practice
The waterproof lab coat is an evolution of the traditional lab coat: it uses fabric with a repellent treatment that reduces liquid absorption, maintains a professional appearance for longer, and facilitates washing. In Brazil, bip pioneered this category with the Jaleco Tech line.
What is a waterproof lab coat
A waterproof lab coat is made with fabric that undergoes DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment or equivalent, creating a surface that repels liquids instead of absorbing them. In clinical practice, this means that splashes of blood, serum, medications, or other fluids roll off the fabric instead of being immediately absorbed.
Unlike cotton or pure polypropylene lab coats, lab coats with repellent technology maintain a cleaner appearance for longer during shifts and reduce skin contact with superficial fluids—although they do not replace specific PPE for high-risk procedures.
-
Splashes roll off, don't absorb
The repellent treatment creates a surface barrier that reduces liquid absorption into the fabric. -
Professional appearance preserved
Fewer marks and stains throughout the day, from the first consultation to the end of the shift. -
Easier washing
Surface dirt comes off more easily, increasing the lab coat's durability.
Main indications: long shifts, emergency care, outpatient procedures, medical residency, and situations where maintaining a professional image is clinically relevant.
Why the lab coat with fabric technology exists
Traditional hospital wear was developed with a focus on easy sanitation and reduced cost—not on performance for the professional. With the advancement of technical fabrics in sports and industry, these technologies began to be applied to medical clothing.
In the Brazilian context, Anvisa and the CFM regulate the use of PPE and uniforms in hospital environments, but do not specify the type of fabric for lab coats—which opens space for market innovation. bip developed the Jaleco Tech line in this gap: medical clothing with product engineering focused on real clinical routines, without sacrificing compliance and professional appearance.
What changes in practice from the first use
-
Passive protection in the real rhythm of healthcare
No change in behavior—the lab coat works while you treat patients. -
Fit that conveys professional presence
Structured tailoring maintains appearance from the beginning to the end of the day. -
Functionality that reduces operational friction
Pockets positioned for real clinical use: stethoscope, pen, smartphone, and emergency resources.
Does a waterproof lab coat get hot? Breathability and comfort during long shifts
This is the most common question among professionals considering switching from traditional lab coats. The answer depends on the type of technology used in the fabric.
Lab coats with waterproofing by lamination (internal plastic layer) tend to reduce fabric breathability, causing a feeling of heat during prolonged use. However, lab coats with DWR treatment applied to technical fabric maintain air circulation, with comfort similar to conventional lab coats.
Jaleco Tech bip: uses repellent treatment on technical fabric—not lamination—preserving breathability. For use during 12 or 24-hour shifts in air-conditioned environments (ICU, operating room, emergency room), thermal performance is equivalent to traditional lab coats.
Traditional lab coat vs. waterproof lab coat: practical differences
The choice between the two models depends on the context of use. Below are the most relevant criteria for the decision.
Liquid absorption
A traditional cotton lab coat absorbs liquids quickly. A lab coat with repellent treatment reduces absorption, facilitating the management of splashes in daily clinical practice.
Stains and appearance throughout the day
On a traditional lab coat, fluid marks appear more easily. On a waterproof lab coat, the repellent surface preserves its appearance for more hours of use.
Structure and fit
A traditional lab coat tends to lose its structure with use and washing. A tech lab coat maintains its fit more consistently, especially in mixed-composition fabrics.
Pocket functionality
The conventional lab coat follows a historical pattern of two front pockets. The bip Jaleco Tech was designed with pocket placement based on real clinical use, including space for stethoscopes and mobile devices.
Cost and durability
Tech lab coats have a higher initial cost but usually have a longer lifespan due to the use of more resistant fabrics. The cost per use tends to be similar or lower in the long run.
Frequently asked questions about waterproof lab coats
Does a waterproof lab coat protect against biological contamination?
Partially. The repellent treatment reduces fluid absorption, decreasing superficial contact with splashes. However, for procedures with risk of exposure to biological material—surgeries, punctures, childbirth—the use of a certified waterproof gown as PPE is mandatory by NR-32 (Regulatory Standard of the Ministry of Labor for healthcare). The waterproof lab coat is an additional layer of protection in daily clinical life, not a substitute for regulated PPE.
How to wash a waterproof lab coat without losing its repellent effect?
Fabric softener and high-temperature drying degrade the DWR treatment over time. It is recommended to wash with neutral soap or liquid detergent without fabric softener, dry at low temperature or in the shade, and reactivate the repellent treatment with a steam iron every 10 to 15 washes. Many manufacturers offer re-waterproofing spray to prolong the effect.
Which professionals benefit most from a waterproof lab coat?
Doctors in emergency rooms and ICUs, residents in clinical and surgical internships, dentists, nurses performing procedures, and medical students from the clinical cycle onwards. Any professional who spends more than 6 hours in a clinical environment with a risk of splashes gains real functionality and comfort with a waterproof lab coat.
Is the waterproof lab coat mandatory in any medical specialty?
There is no CFM or Anvisa regulation that makes the waterproof lab coat mandatory by specialty. NR-32 establishes the mandatory use of waterproof PPE in procedures with biological risk, but the everyday lab coat does not fall into this category. The choice of a waterproof lab coat is a decision based on comfort, functionality, and professional image management.
Does bip's Jaleco Tech have certification or fabric reports?
bip develops its products with technical fabrics certified by suppliers. For specific information about fabric composition, reports, and certifications for Jaleco Tech, please contact bip customer service directly or visit the product page at usebip.com.
Where to find bip's Jaleco Tech
The Jaleco Tech line is available on bip's website with different models, sizes, and customization options. All models are developed with repellent technical fabric and a design tailored for the routine of Brazilian healthcare professionals.
bip. Technology for caregivers.
Deixe seu comentário
Sua opinião é importante para a gente.