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

5.7.1.2 Lift Compatibility Clearance in Base for Imaging Equipment (M301)

The Committee recommends the use of alternative means of access by an overhead lift in place of clearances in and around the equipment base where portable lifts are not feasible.

Rationale for the recommendation

Overhead lifts can provide an alternate means of access instead of clearances around the bases of imaging equipment required for portable lifts. Table structural design and/or room layout may be such that providing the clearances in and around the base may be either technically difficult or impractical. In these cases, a ceiling-mounted lift may be a better method for some types of imaging equipment because the portable lift would need to access the diagnostic imaging table from the side or far end. Some imaging systems already use overhead lifts to assist patients.

Overhead lifts are not feasible in the MR exam room due to the magnetic fields. Some MR systems currently have detachable tables that can move away from the magnetic field to permit transfer elsewhere. In situations where an overhead lift would be impossible, detachable and portable imaging tables could move to the patient for transfers. A stretcher-based transfer provides another option. A stretcher-based transfer is also an alternate to lift-based transfers in the case of prone breast biopsy tables. This type of transfer effectively and safely achieves the patient position needed for the procedure.

Below is a picture of an existing CT room with a ceiling mounted overhead lift. This may offer flexibility over a portable lift because it can transfer the patient from either side placing the patient in the desired imaging orientation, and the ability to move completely out of the way when not needed.

Figure 5.7.1.2 An existing CT room with a ceiling mounted overhead lift
(SOURCE: GE Healthcare)