We have recently implemented a lab coat policy and provide coats to our laboratories for student, faculty and research use. There have been some concerns about cold and flu season and students wearing the coats that students in labs before them have been sneezing or coughing into. Typically, we have the coats picked up at the end of the semester and cleaned by our vendor (they are rental coats). Faculty have mentioned getting the coats cleaned every other week, but this could be costly.

Does anyone else have alternative ways of handling this situation?

Thank you for any insight and ideas.

Shannon