Exam table: how to choose the examination table?
The exam table is an important element of the medical consultation, both for the patient and the practitioner. Choosing an examination table is an essential point in furnishing a practice. This choice must be made both according to the space available and the practitioner’s patient base.
The goal of the practitioner is to avoid back pain when auscultating patients.
The examination tables must be adapted to the pathologies of the patients. They are now designed to be more and more robust and comfortable.
Choosing an Exam Table
The characteristics of an exam table are decisive in the choice of a couch: it can indeed be electric or manual, adjustable or fixed, with or without option(s) (stirrups, integrated roll holder, foldable …)
The examination couch can be used both in hospitals and in private practices.
Among the questions to ask yourself before making a choice:
Is the table adaptable to stirrups? See if it is possible to adapt stirrups to the couch, whether standard or optional.
Is height variation possible? Choose a fixed examination couch or an electric examination table if you need a variable height.
For which clientele: is a particular resistance and height required? What is the maximum weight supported?
Does the examination table have a rotating system? Armrests?
What is its width? It is advisable to choose a width adapted to the type of patients for which the table is intended.
Does the examination couch have an integrated roll holder?
The variable-height sofa avoids the use of a step, tricky for the elderly or people with reduced mobility.
If you choose an electric exam table, you must also take into account the amplitude of the variation in height: the lower the couch can go, the more accessibility is facilitated.
There are also mixed couches: they combine the possibilities of a gynecological chair and a traditional examination couch. The advantage over adjustable stirrups: have a short seat with a long backrest, ideal for gynecology, and a long seat with a short backrest for general examinations.
Regarding the upholstery: it must be both firm and comfortable. A couch made of too soft padding will make it more difficult for the patient to move around.
As for the finishes: the practitioner has the choice between a sewn or stretched covering. The stretched covering has no visible seams: it is therefore notably easier to clean. For this, moreover, specific products exist, such as Anios Surface for the disinfection of surfaces or disinfectant wipes, intended for the treatment of surfaces and medical devices between two patients.
Gynecological tables
For gynecological examinations, there are specific examination tables: gynecological tables.
The gynecology table makes it possible to position the patient most comfortably and optimally possible to carry out the gynecological examination. Similar to a classic examination table, it also has thigh holders (often Guepel).
Choosing the right exam table
An examination table allows the positioning of a patient, to proceed to his examination or his manipulation by a health professional.
How do determine the right type of medical exam table?
There are three main criteria for choosing a medical exam table: the application, the type of patient examined, and the place of use.
Application: depending on the intended application, you can choose from:
examination tables for general medicine;
echocardiography examination tables, ultrasound examination tables;
gynecological examination tables;
physiotherapy examination tables, etc.
Type of patient examined: depending on the type of patient examined, you can for example choose:
pediatric examination tables;
bariatric examination tables (for overweight patients);
examination tables for people with reduced mobility.
Place of use:
in practice / clinic / hospital;
home.
Should I choose an exam table or an examination chair?
The main reason for choosing between an examination table and an examination chair is the desired position of the patient during the examination.
Dorsal or ventral decubitus: for this position, we will opt for the exam chairs.
Seated / semi-recumbent position: for these positions, the examination chair is preferred.
Medical exam table: what essential characteristics?
Once the type of examination has been selected, it is important to look at the main characteristics to take into consideration when purchasing, such as adjustability, the type of energy used, or the weight supported by the table.
Adjustability and ergonomics: examination tables with adjustable backrests and examination tables with variable height are highly sought after because healthcare professionals must systematically adjust the position of the table according to the height of the patient. Adjustment is also sometimes done during examinations, tests, or medical treatments. It allows closer observation of the patient and greater comfort. Adjustable headrests are also an asset for certain medical procedures and physiotherapy treatments. There are also models with adjustable armrests, allowing the patient to feel more comfortable during long procedures.
Energy: the adjustments to your exam table can be made either manually or assisted with, in particular, electric examination tables, hydraulic examination tables, pneumatic examination tables, etc.
Height: some tables allow patients to be moved vertically by activating a switch or by a manual system (mechanical or pneumatic), they can also have a fairly low minimum height. In particular, this facilitates the transfer of patients with reduced mobility or the elderly.
Maximum weight supported: it is important to choose an examination table model that can accommodate different types of patients, including bariatric patients. An ordinary examination table can support between 150 and 200 kg. Pediatric models often have a lower load capacity. Practices that regularly see overweight patients may consider purchasing bariatric medical examination tables, which have a load capacity of up to 350 or 400 kg.
Table weight: medical examination tables are relatively heavy equipment, however, there are portable examination tables. If you regularly need to move your examination tables, it is advisable to choose an aluminum frame or opt for examination tables on wheels. Folding exam tables are often less bulky and easier to store.
Table dimensions: the dimensions of the table are important to take into account, especially if the examination table is to be used in a small space, for example in a narrow cabinet.
Examination tables: which options and which accessories?
The secondary characteristics to take into account are the type of covering, the padding, the material of the frame, the storage, or the accessories available.
Type of upholstery, padding, material:
Coating: there are several types of coating for a medical examination table, whether synthetic or smooth, easily sterilizable or not. A common material used for siding is vinyl because it has a non-porous, spill-resistant, and easy-to-clean surface.
Padding: The quality and durability of the padding are essential for greater patient comfort.
Frame material: the materials used to manufacture the table should also be taken into account, in particular the quality of the metal or the type of wood (species of wood, solid wood or not, etc.).
Regarding metal frames, it is advisable to choose a stainless steel frame or aluminum for portable examination tables (because it is lighter). Wooden tables, with a more classic aesthetic, blend easily with any type of decoration.
Storage spaces available: It can be extremely practical, during medical procedures, to store the necessary supplies directly in one of the compartments of the exam table. Caregivers can store small test and examination devices, gloves, bandages, gowns, or medical records in examination tables with storage spaces, depending on the size of the storage compartment. Physiotherapy clinics sometimes need examination tables with built-in compartments to store commonly used supplies such as massage tools, kinesiology tapes, towels, ointments, or creams. These storage units integrated into the examination tables can be open shelves or pull-out drawers. It is better to opt for a model with lockable storage compartments if you want to store fragile or even expensive medicines or medical tools.
Accessories, customizable tables or not: examination tables can include a whole series of accessories for specialized care. For example, models used in gynecology practices must be equipped with stirrups. Practices that receive different types of patients and treat several pathologies must have adaptable and easily customizable examination tables. Some models include weighing systems, medical examination lights for general practice, examination sheet roll holders, etc.
Sale and delivery of specific pediatric tables
For health examinations of infants and young children, it is important to have fully appropriate and approved pediatric equipment. If you want to buy furniture to equip your pediatric practice, ask our specialist salespeople for advice, who will be able to guide you in choosing your pediatrician equipment and tools. Our site offers a large selection of accessories for pediatricians to meet all needs. We exclusively present carefully designed pediatric tables and tools that meet safety standards. In addition, we ensure the delivery of your pediatric table or your pediatric couch directly to your practice.
Ask an expert for advice on choosing your pediatric couch
If you want to buy a pediatric chair, it may be worth seeking the advice of a specialist in the supply of medical furniture. Your electric pediatric couch manufacturer will be able to offer you the ideal choice based on the size of your practice and your furniture needs. Height-adjustable pediatric chairs are increasingly popular due to their adaptability and ease of use. In addition, remember to choose a couch whose mattress is comfortable enough to ensure the well-being of your patients. Poor quality foams look sparse and won’t regain their shape after just a few uses. On our site, we have selected pediatric tables designed in strict compliance with manufacturing standards for medical furniture. We, therefore, offer you equipment that is resistant, completely durable, and perfectly stable.
Our models of vertical pediatric tables
If you are looking for a fixed or variable height tilting table, contact your supplier who will be able to guide you in your choice. We have vertical pediatric tables that can be tilted by an electric cylinder, which will allow you to comfortably carry out all your health examinations on children and infants. The standing table is used to keep patients upright during a medical examination or a rehabilitation session. It promotes the correct circulation of blood inside the lower limbs, as well as the reossification of the limbs and the strengthening of the muscles. Our models of vertical pediatric tables are equipped with footrests, reclining backrest, tilt angle indicator, fastening straps, and swivel or directional casters with brakes depending on the configuration of your practice.
Opt for a robust and durable exam table
Your manufacturer and supplier of professional furniture offers you a wide choice of equipment that is both functional and resistant to equip your healthcare center. For example, we have pediatric tables whose height is between 88 and 94 cm. Thanks to their upholstery with a non-flammable coating and antibacterial protection, the safety and hygiene of your young patients are guaranteed. Our pediatric tables also have a fully welded steel frame and can support up to 135 kg. Similarly, the legs of the pediatric couches can fit inside adjustable pads, which guarantees better stability for the duration of your medical examinations. Various accessories are provided depending on the model of your pediatric exam table: drawer, shelf, or lower shelf.
Some models of pediatric tables are also capable of supporting up to 220 kg, with a foam density of 30 kg/m2. If you wish, we can provide you with a mattress with a higher density foam according to your preferences. Thanks to their system of retractable wheels using pedals, our pediatric tables are perfectly secure and suitable for intense professional use. In addition, an adjustable leveler is installed depending on the model to avoid small slopes. Finally, the motors of our pediatric examination tables are fully compliant with European safety.
How do I order pediatric equipment online?
Pediapals.com
To equip your pediatric practice in the best conditions and without hassle, contact pediatric equipment specialists based near you. Your supplier of furniture for pediatric practices offers a wide range of equipment and accessories for pediatric practices. We are also available to answer all your concerns, and we can custom design your pediatric chair or sofa according to your needs. Finally, after the validation of your order, we proceed to the delivery of your exam table to the place indicated, all as soon as possible.
