Autopsy Table Specifications: A Checklist Before You Buy

The autopsy table is the central workstation of every forensic unit, hospital mortuary and medical school dissection room. An examination can last for hours, and throughout that time the table has to offer a safe, hygienic surface while managing fluids, water and waste in a controlled way. This article sets out the specifications worth looking for and the questions to ask before you buy a post-mortem table.

Body and top

Autopsy tables are made of stainless steel because it withstands water, chemicals and frequent disinfection; grade AISI 304 is widely used in the sector. Look for smooth welds, rounded corners and surfaces without gaps where dirt can collect. The top should slope towards a single drain outlet and be surrounded by raised edges. Space beside the top for instruments helps keep the work orderly during long examinations.

Core equipment on the Volinox autopsy table

Volinox states that its autopsy tables are available in standard or custom sizes and that its products carry CE certification.

Pedestal or cabinet base?

Pedestal tables on a central column leave legroom all around the table, which helps when several specialists work at the same time. Cabinet-base models add storage for waste and supplies. Let the size of the room and your workflow decide.

Ergonomics and safety

• Working height: choose a height that limits back and neck strain during long examinations, and consider whether staff of different heights need height adjustment.
• Head rest and accessories: confirm in advance that head rests, organ scales or dissection boards fit the table.
• Electrical safety: water and electricity meet at the table, so every connection must be protected against water ingress.
• Ventilation: plan the room's general ventilation together with local extraction around the table to control odours and chemical vapours.
• Transfers: hydraulic and mechanical lifts help move the body safely from stretcher to table.

Positioning the table in the room

Where the table stands shapes the workflow of the whole room. The route from the morgue unit to the table should be short and clear, and the table needs strong, shadow-free examination lighting above it. A gentle floor slope from the table area towards a floor drain makes cleaning easier. A hand-wash basin separate from the table sink is good hygiene practice. Before installation, water, drainage, power and compressed-air points should be positioned to suit the dimensions of the table.

Purchasing checklist

1. How many examinations are carried out per year, and how many tables are needed at once?
2. Where are the water, hot water, drainage and compressed-air connections in the room?
3. Is there enough space around the table for staff to move freely?
4. Should the sink be integrated into the table or fitted to a separate counter?
5. Which accessories are required, and is the table compatible with them?
6. How will installation, training, servicing and spare parts be handled?

Cleaning and care

After each examination, rinse away organic residue with water first, then apply a detergent and disinfectant suitable for stainless steel. Do not leave chlorine-based products on the surface for long, and rinse them off thoroughly; abrasive pads can damage the protective surface layer of the steel. Check the strainer, trap and drain line regularly.

Related products and articles

You can view the table on our autopsy table page and further equipment under hospital equipment. For storage before and after examination, see our morgue units; institutions that teach anatomy may also need a cadaver storage tank. Our cadaver storage tank guide and morgue refrigerator temperature guide cover related topics. For a quote, contact us through our contact page or on WhatsApp.