Mortuary tables, or embalming tables, may seem like a harmless piece of equipment, but they actually play an important role in maintaining the safety of the person handling the body. Many people are surprised to find that blood discharged during the embalming process enters the sewer system and is disposed of by municipal waste treatment plants. The table is designed to help efficiently process blood. However, in addition to safety factors, the taiping or embalming table is also designed for convenience, making it easy to move and dispose of the deceased.

The safety factor provided by mortuary tables

Morgue tables are used in all environments and for different people. They include hospital staff, medical schools and mortuary facilities. Embalming tables play a role in keeping the people who use them safe.

During dissection, there is often contact with some flesh and blood tissue, including chemical, biological and musculoskeletal. Biological contact includes blood that can be infected with viruses such as HIV or hepatitis C. One of the factors that increases the risk of exposure to viruses and other blood-borne pathogens is the accumulation of blood on the embalming table, which increases the chance of exposure.

Autopsy Table was designed to guide blood down the drain with an angled end to minimize blood buildup and thus make blood drainage more effective. The stainless steel structure also reduces the chance of exposure to infection. Bacteria can grow on almost any surface, including stainless steel. A study published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology found that Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enteritidis can survive on stainless steel for at least four days, so a thorough cleaning of the anticorrosive stand is crucial for the personal safety of the anticorrosive master. However, stainless steel remains the preferred material because it is resistant to microorganisms and is non-porous, thus not encouraging bacterial growth. It’s also easy to disinfect.

In the musculoskeletal area, embalmers are at risk of physical injury when handling cadavers including lifting, moving and transferring them. The autopsy table is adjustably high, so embalmers or others working on bodies won’t tear their backs and arms by using a table too high or too low. Some mortuary tables, such as hydraulic embalming tables, have detachable end handles that allow easier access to all parts of the body and also help reposition the table when in position.

Convenience factors

The table is designed to help embalmers complete the necessary process of preparing the body for burial and then burial. The table has the function of making the preparation process simpler and more efficient. For example, a funeral director embalms a body, going through a series of procedures to make the deceased look as natural as possible for family and friends to see, and to dress the body. The tilted autopsy table makes every step easier, from dumping the body and embalming fluid to the final dressing process.

Other features from a convenience point of view include:

Table height – Is the table height adjustable to accommodate the different heights of the person handling the deceased? What type of control system does the table have – pedal lever for working hydraulic or manual control system.

Table size – The table top should be large enough to accommodate most adult men and women.

Drainage design – What kind of fluid drainage system is built into the table? Where is the drain hole? What is the depth of the sink? Is the center concave, convex or flat?

Cleanliness – Stainless steel is the most commonly used metal in mortuaries because it is easy to clean and does not stain. If other materials, such as plastics, are used, it is important to verify that they are antifouling. Otherwise, the table will look dirty and likely become a breeding ground for bacteria.

Mobility – As mentioned earlier, these tables are used for embalming and dressing the deceased. They are also used to move the body of the deceased from one location to another. The table chosen should have locking wheels to hold it in place when in use.

Options – Convenience options include a head activator, the ability to adjust the tilt of one end of the table on either end, the ability to fold the table flat for storage, etc.

Mortuary and antiseptic tables are important equipment for many reasons. They are designed for multiple functions, supporting embalming, autopsy, dressing and other procedures for the deceased. They may seem simple at first glance, but today’s designs reflect a better understanding of things like ergonomics, safety, and bacterial growth.