For a general family practice what are the basic features that need to be considered with a medical exam table?
A general practice requires an examination table that can be used for a variety of different patients. A standard examination table is a good option as it is flexible and practical, designed to withstand years of use. However, for patient comfort and for ease of examination it may not offer all the position options necessary. A table that allows for backrest adjustment from the level to various incline positions is often considered a must in general practice exam rooms. This backrest positioning can be done with power systems or through a gas-spring type of mechanism.

In addition to being able to position the patient on the table having standard storage in the medical exam table base is also advantageous. This allows the doctor and staff to have immediate access to frequently used supplies and small equipment. Tables may be designed with drawers that open to the left or right side or some tables have drawers that can open either direction. In addition a paper dispenser and cutter that is mounted to the frame is both a time and energy saver between patients.
When practices include patients of all ages and health issues a hi-low examination table is very practical. This allows the table to be lowered to a standard chair height for patients with mobility problems to easy seat themselves on the table with minimal need for assistance. The table is then raised to the appropriate height to conduct the examination.

I see children in my practice and find an standard medical exam table is just too overwhelming for the kids. What options do I have for something more child friendly?
A pediatric table is designed to be very child friendly. These smaller sized versions have all the features that you would expect in an full sized table including paper roll holders, options for power lift features as well as storage within the base. However, unlike those standard models the tables designed for children often have a theme. This can be coordinated to match the décor of the office for very appealing look to the room.

Infant and toddle sized options will often offer a built in scale on the table. This is a space and time saver as everything needed for the medical chart can be completed right on the same table.

Are there options to build in patient comfort while on the medical exam table?
Depending on the model of medical exam table there are several different patient comfort features that may be offered. The ability to incline the backrest and position the leg rest or stirrups to the physical size of the patient provides immediate comfort. Patients also appreciate the upholstered and padded table tops that are designed to minimize the pressure on the back, shoulders and hips when on the table for longer periods of time.

Additional pillows and neck supports are offered on some models of tables. Arm rests, safety rails and IV pole attachments that re easily added to the frame of the table can be essential in keeping patients secure. The IV pole attachment prevents the need for additional equipment in the room, providing staff with additional space to move about with ease.

For OB/GYN examinations or other types of procedures some tables may also offer a warming drawer. This allows medical equipment to be kept at above room temperature to prevent shock and discomfort when it comes into contact with the patient. This little additional feature can make all the difference in the world to customer satisfaction while in the examination room.

I have a very small examination room in my practice and need medical exam tables that are space saving. What options should I consider?
Many examination rooms are small and designed to hold only the basic in equipment and supplies. Since medical exam tables may be the largest item in the room finding space saving options is essential. There are several different options to consider that can be ideal as general use tables even in limited space. One option is an adjustable length table. These are typically designed to have the head and footrest fold down, leaving just the middle section flat as the top of the table. This provides a wide range of position and options for using the table during examinations and treatments. They may or may not have the option to position the backrest to an inclined position rather than the flat position.

Many of these styles of tables are open and designed with an H-brace structure for support and safety. Other options may include a cabinet under the center section of the table that can add to storage space in the room. These cabinets have adjustable shelves for individual configuration. In addition these cabinets can be locked to prevent access to the contents by unauthorized individuals.
A chair style option is also space saving. These models are often hi-lo options, providing easy access to the chair by the patient. Once seated the entire chair is lifted and then the back reclined into the desired examination position. Leg rests and stirrups are recessed into the base of the chair and can be extended as needed.

Are there any eco-friendly medical exam tables on the market and what makes them "greener" than standard tables?More and more facilities are moving towards LEED certification and becoming more environmentally friendly. There are medical exam tables that provide eco-friendly styles and features. Wood construction is a key element which provides a warm look to the room and, with different colors of coverings, can coordinate with any décor. However the hardwood legs and frame also means that the table can be recycled and does not contain any plastics or PVCs. Natural stain and wood colors also means that there is no paint used in the manufacturing of the frame. If the frame is painted or laminated the materials used are lead free and all upholstery is fully PVC-free.
Eco-friendly medical exam tables can have a full cabinet as well. They can include 100% recyclable metal components for all hardware used in the construction of medical exam tables. In addition all wood on the table, including the laminated panels can be manufactured with no added urea-formaldehyde. These options are typically very cost effective and highly comparable to traditional styles of tables on the market.

What is the difference between medical exam chairs and examination tables and which is best?
The term examination chair is often used to describe hi-lo medical examination tables that can be placed in the upright or chair position for patient examinations. These tables are very practical in all types of settings since they are compact yet offer more positioning options than a standard table. There are different models that are designed for bariatric patients, patients transferring in and out of wheelchairs and patients with mobility problems. Since the table top or seat can be lowered and raised to the right level, patient comfort and safety is maximized.

Other option in chairs can include specialized equipment. Podiatry chairs with additional support for legs and feet combined with power backrest and tilt allow the patient to be placed in the correct position for any procedure. This allows the patient to remain in the seated and reclined position while the foot is at a level that is comfortable for the medical staff. Longer procedures are made much easier on all involved when this position option is possible.

What is the most common use for portable exam tables?

Portable exam tables are most commonly seen at sporting events including community functions, marathon races, games, and virtually anywhere athletic events are held. These tables are also common at school sporting events and tournaments, especially once competitive levels are reached. Often at major community events such as concerns, parades or festivals, it is now common to have a medical tent or designated area and these exam tables are ideal for those types of events. Since they fold down for easy storage when not in use they are far less cumbersome to deal with than traditional types of tables, plus they can be easily transported in any type of vehicle.

There are also many other common uses for these medical exam tables. Mobile medical clinics, blood drives, emergency medical assistance programs and community crisis response teams often use these portable exam tables to set up crisis response centers in times of emergencies and disasters. Hospitals and clinics may also have a supply of exam tables to deal with crisis responses where there is a higher than average number of patients in emergency rooms or requiring emergency medical services in smaller facilities or hospitals.

Can portable exam tables be used indoors as patient exam tables?

Many schools use portable exam tables in their nurse's examination room or their team locker rooms. These exam tables may be permanent deployed and used as taping tables or sideline tables during a game or event, then positioned back into the locker room or equipment room for use as required between sporting events. Portable tables can also be used in smaller clinics or specialized offices where regular patient examinations are not common. Since they can be used when necessary and stored when not in use this a great option for those with smaller spaces that don't want a full permanent examination table.

How strong and durable is the covering on movable exam tables and what is it made of?

Portable exam tables are designed to be used in all types of situations and environmental conditions. This includes being in the rain or damp weather as well as outside in the extreme heat of the summer. With this in mind manufacturers of these lightweight and very durable examination tables have selected materials that are strong, light yet also incredible resistant to wear and tear.

Many tables use a marine grade polymer material that is literally designed for use on ships and boats. This material is extremely tough, and resists water, tears, punctures, mars, scuffs and other types of damage. In addition the material doesn't stretch or sag, ensuring that the table will stay looking great for seasons to come. Another common material is tufflex, also designed to be used outdoors without any signs of damage in typical environmental conditions. The material can be easily cleaned with soapy water and a cloth and can also tolerate most cleaners and disinfectants as recommended by the manufacturer.

What accessories can be used on medical tables to secure patients and provide safety when the table is in use?

There are several different options when it comes to adding accessories to medical tables. The types of accessories that are selected are often a combination of the types of patients that are seen in the medical facility or practice, along with the requirement of the physician and medical staff. Common accessories for general family practices and OB/GYN examination rooms include ankle stirrups, which come in a variety of styles and models. They are usually universal and can be used with any type of table plus they have several different adjustments including lateral movement and length.

Arm boards are another accessory that is very practical in working with a range of patients. Accessory rails, which run down the length of the table and can be raised or lowered are idea for providing extra security and safety for patients. Some models of tables will require a factory install, this is most common on the power tables as opposed to the traditional manually operated types of tables. Accessory drawers, safety straps, pillows, wedges and cabinet features under the table itself are all possible in many different styles of medical tables.

What storage options are available on medical tables?

Saving space in the examination room is always a big consideration in any medical facility. There are several ways that medical tables, at least some models, can help out with this problem. Several of the bariatric or standard styles of tables offer a full cabinet under the table. This provides a solid, dependable table with various combinations of cabinets and drawers. The cabinets feature adjustable shelves for larger materials and supplies, including additional pillows, accessories and medical equipment. Drawers are perfect for smaller equipment, frequently used examination supplies and other types of materials. These types of tables usually have a laminated finish to the cabinet and drawer area that can be ordered to meet your examination room color scheme.

Open shelving can also be another option to consider under an examination or treatment table. The open shelves can be used to store non-medical types of supplies such as blankets or other types of frequently used equipment. It is important to keep in mind that open shelving doesn't offer as much storage potential as this area will be open to patients as well as medical staff.

Is it important to have an adjustable backrest with medical tables?

Selecting a medical table that has an adjustable backrest does provide greater options for increasing patient comfort during any type of examination process. The adjustable backrest can be either a power type of model that is operated by hand or foot controls, or it can be a manual adjustment. Both are equally effective for the patient but it is important to keep in mind that most manually adjusted backrests have to be fully raised to be disengaged and lowered, which may create some difficulty for medical staff with adult patients with limited mobility.