Scientists' garb may not be responsible for contaminations

It may seem reasonable to suggest that long-sleeved lab coats lead to more scientists contaminating samples by carrying bacteria on their cuffs.

However, research conducted by the University of Colorado with the assistance of 100 Denver Health clinicians has found that, at least in a healthcare setting, this is not the case.

Regardless of the length of sleeves, bacterial colony counts increase at around the same rate on cuffs and pockets - and on the wearer's wrists.

"We were surprised to find no statistical difference in contamination between the short- and long-sleeved workwear," says lead researcher Dr Marisha Burden.

The findings could surprise scientists worried about the effect loose material might have on contaminating samples in the laboratory.

However, lab coats also have other connotations - for instance, analysis prepared for the Institute of Physics by Greg Rowland Semiotics suggests the garment portrays scientists as "rogue heroes".

Public figures including Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin like to don the apparel when evaluating new products, the analyst added.