Recommendations on Standards for the Design of Medical Diagnostic Equipment for Adults with Disabilities, Advisory Committee Final Report

5.4.2 Transfer Support Length for M301 and M302

Description: Transfer support length applies to the gripping surface of the support, that portion of the support used to grasp or maintain balance against while performing a transfer. The purpose of a minimum length is to ensure that there is a minimum gripping surface available to support positioning and repositioning during a transfer. This is a linear measurement (see Figure 5.4.1).

NPRM Proposed Provision: Length not addressed.

NPRM Preamble Discussion: The Access Board is considering whether the following technical criteria would be appropriate for the location and size of transfer supports. The transfer support would extend horizontally the entire depth of the transfer surface and would be 15 inches minimum in length.

The Committee recommends 15 inches minimum length positioned so that the transfer support overlaps the minimum depth of the transfer surface by 80%.

Rationale for the recommendation

The length of the transfer support shall be a minimum of 15 inches long and positioned so that the transfer support overlaps the length of the transfer surface by 80% at a maximum distance from the transfer surface of 1½ inches. (See Figure 5.4.1).

5.4.2.1 Transfer Support Length Recommendation for Stretchers

On Stretchers, the transfer surface is oriented along the long dimension of the surface on which patients are positioned in the supine, prone, or side-lying position (see Figure 5.4.1.1).

For Stretchers, the Committee recommends transfer supports be 15 inches minimum length.

Rationale for the recommendation

The length provides continuous support for patients using the stretchers. This is to accommodate the articulation that is necessary for the head and back support on stretchers.

Figure 5.4.2.1 Transfer Support Location – Side View
(SOURCE: Stryker Medical)

5.4.2.2 Transfer and Positioning Support Length Recommendations for Imaging Equipment with Transfer Surfaces

On imaging equipment with transfer surfaces, the transfer surface is oriented along the long dimension of the surface on which patients are positioned in the supine, prone, or side-lying position (see Figure 5.2.1.4).

For imaging equipment with transfer surfaces, the Committee recommends a transfer support be 28 inches minimum length and that a positioning support be 12 to 16 inches in length.

Rational for the recommendation

A transfer support (for transfer surfaces less than or equal to 24” deep) is to extend horizontally along the side of the patient scanning/imaging table at least the minimum width of the transfer surface, a minimum length of 28-inches. It is to be located at the designated transfer location.

A positioning support (for transfer surfaces >24” deep) is to extend horizontally along the side of the patient scanning/imaging bed/table with a length of 12 to 16 inches and a height of 3 to 6 inches above the surface. It will be located at a position to accommodate the clinical use, with design inputs from users, for optimal positioning assistance.

Either a transfer support or positioning support may need to be separate from the patient-imaging table in cases where its attachment to the table is not possible. Specific discussion of these situations is in Section 7.

The two-part standard addresses various widths of tables. (see Section 5.4.1.2).

5.4.2.2 Schematic of Transfer Surface and Patient Support for Diagnostic Imaging Equipment
(SOURCE: GE Healthcare)