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

How to Measure Transfer Surface Height

Regardless of the final decision on the low height measurement, the Subcommittee agreed that the height of the transfer surface would be measured in its uncompressed state.

Many medical examination rooms are equipped with fixed height examination tables, with a typical 32-inch seat height. However, these fixed heights tables do not allow for independent transfer of patients who use wheeled mobility devices (WMD). To solve this problem, manufacturers have designed adjustable height examination tables to work with a variety of WMD’s. Manufacturers designed the shape of the seat for these tables to meet both patient accessibility and clinical needs, resulting in a complex, contoured shape.

Because of these complex shapes, it is necessary to create a standard method by which to measure table seat dimensions. These proposed measurement techniques would apply equally to tables (M301) and chairs (M302).

Several necessary features determine the shape of an examination table seat:

The perineal cut-out provides access to the perineum for gynecological and urological examinations.

The corner radii allow for closer wheelchair positioning to facilitate independent transfer by minimizing gaps. The corner radii also eliminate seams in the upholstery, which improves longevity, but more importantly also improves asepsis and infection control.

Bolsters improve patient comfort and stability when seated on table. Note that the design minimizes the bolsters at the front half of the seat in order to promote ease of transfer.

Note that these features are widely used in both tables and chairs. Beds, stretchers, and other types of equipment will have unique features that determine the shapes of their patient support surfaces.

Figure 10: Features of the countered shape of a medical examination table

The design of the corner radii allows closest possible position for wheelchair transfers, minimizing potential gaps and improving the patient’s ability to transfer independently.

In the diagram below, the upper wheelchair illustrates a typical side transfer, which may optionally utilize a transfer board. The lower wheelchair illustrates a typical diagonal transfer.²⁴

Figure 11: Corner radii of a medical examination table

The depth and width are measured along the centerlines of the seat, and the height from the floor to the highest point of the transfer surface:

• The depth is measured between the perineal cutout and the hinge point at the back of the seat.

• The width measured across the seat at the midpoint between the seat hinge and the front of the seat.

• The height is measured at the highest point of the seat, inclusive of bolsters, with the foam in an uncompressed state. Note that this measurement would be at the highest point on the seating surface, which may not necessarily be at the centerline of the seat.

Notes 

^24. Examples of such transfers can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qivOb_V6IgA