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

6. Transfer Surface Height
6.3 Diagnostic Imaging Equipment

Refer to the Rationale found in Section 5.3 for M301.2.1 and to Section 4.3.

For many types of imaging equipment it will not be feasible to provide a transfer surface meeting the considered minimum height whether it is17, 18, or 19 inches. The same is true for height adjustability for DXA and some X-Ray systems. In those instances an alternate means of access will need to be provided such as the use of auxiliary/ancillary equipment and accessories (“Accessibility Package”).

Given that diagnostic imaging tables are in integral part of the exam and required for accurate results, their design to support very heavy patients, and in some types the existence of imaging components under the table and specialized diagnostic abilities, modifications to the table to go lower and/or be adjustable will always present many design challenges. As such every inch is significant both for designing tables that can go low enough to meet the new standard and in design of accessories or room siting as alternate means to attempt to meet the new standards.

As noted in Section 5.3, the imaging subcommittee did not take a formal position on the transfer surface height. However, during the full committee meeting the manufacturers of diagnostic imaging equipment voted for the “compromise” height of 18 inches.