Guide to Buying a Gynecology Examination Table

Gynecology examinations play a critical role in women's health throughout their lives; we look to ob-gyns to not only guide us through pregnancy and childbirth but also for preventive screenings to detect and treat disease. Gynecology practices address a whole host of women's health issues, and the best ones are those where patients feel safe and comfortable.

Patient safety and comfort can be impacted by everything from the demeanor of the staff and the setup of the waiting area to the office lighting and the examination tables. Read on to learn more about what you should consider with a gynecology exam table before buying one for your office.

Gynecology Exam Tables: What Are They and How Are They Used?

Almost every type of doctor's office includes some kind of exam table; these tables will sometimes differ by specialty. In a general medical practice office, you may find a basic exam table where the patient can sit up or lie flat during an examination.

In a pediatric office, you may find smaller tables designed for kids to navigate with ease, sometimes covered in bright and child-friendly fabrics to make them less intimidating for the littlest patients.

Gynecology exam tables are designed with a specific examination (i.e., a pelvic exam) in mind. Like all medical exam tables, they are not only created with the comfort and safety of the patient in mind but also that of the medical examiner.

The adjustments that can be made to raise, lower, and move patients on gynecology exam tables make it easier for the medical staff to perform their evaluations without strain on their own bodies. The best gynecology examination tables are those that make the process safe and comfortable for both the patient and the doctor.

Gynecology exam tables vary in terms of adjustments and features (some have more bells and whistles than others), but in general, you can expect most of the following:

Padding for Comfort

Exam tables are typically wrapped in a thick and durable type of padding that ensures the comfort of the patient. In addition to providing comfort, the padding is covered with upholstery fabric that is liquid-resistant and can be wiped clean after use, such as polyurethane.

The thickness of both the padding and its fabric covering is designed to stand up to wear and tear, and medical practices should also carefully review all of the manufacturer's cleaning and maintenance instructions to extend the life of the exam table by protecting its covering.

Adjustability

Gynecology exam tables come with adjustability features that allow medical professionals to conduct several different types of exams, such as pelvic or breast exams. Generally gynecology examination tables will have both raised or seated positions as well as the ability to lie flat. The height of the table may have an adjustment feature so that the doctor can raise and lower it based on her own height and comfort level during the examination.

The adjustability of the table may be mechanical (with gears) or automated (with power). Gynecology examination tables with power adjustments will be more expensive than those requiring manual effort to raise and lower them; however, the power adjustments also reduce the strain on the medical provider.

Roller Stops

Another important feature for the safety and maneuverability of gynecology exam tables are roller stops. Many of the examination tables are built on rollers so that they can be moved as needed, and you may wish to have that option in your new practice if you anticipate changes to your design and layout as you grow. The ability to move an examination table from one space to another with ease only adds to its value, and roller stops ensure you can use the table safely as it is locked into position.

Stirrups

Stirrups are a defining feature of a gynecology examination table as they allow a patient to be positioned correctly for a pelvic exam, and they also ensure a patient can rest her legs comfortably rather than having to strain to hold them up in an awkward position during a medical exam.

Stirrups may be affixed to the exam table in a number of ways and may be adjustable as well to accommodate different heights. Stirrups that fold back toward or underneath a table to stay out of the way when not in use are helpful both for patients getting on and off tables and also for space in smaller exam rooms.

Tips for Buying Gynecology Exam Tables

If you are planning to purchase gynecology examination tables for a new medical practice, or perhaps you are just ready to replace and upgrade your existing ones, we have some useful tips to consider before you buy new ones.

Your budget for exam tables will determine the style and range of tables you can purchase, and you should consider carefully whether all the "bells and whistles" are going to be useful for your particular practice.

You may be able to save money with fewer features, but you should bear in mind that patient comfort and safety are never areas where you want to skimp. Even on a limited budget, you should be able to purchase exam tables that are durable, practical, and comfortable.

When evaluating gynecology exam tables, use these checkpoints to make sure you are getting the best ones for your practice:

• Padding Quality: The materials and workmanship of the upholstery and padding should be of the highest quality, and this is an area you should focus on as you look at customer reviews for various exam tables. Safe and non-toxic fabrics are important to patients, and you also want a covering that can stand up to wear and tear. Make sure the coverings can be cleaned easily and will not irritate the skin. A soft and soothing color palette is also preferable for gynecology exam tables.
• Adjustments: The number of adjustments, and whether they are manual or automated, will factor into the overall price of the exam table. However, adjustability also reduces strain on the provider, so you should look for as much as your budget can accommodate.
• Weight Limits: The manufacturer of the gynecology examination table should have weight capacity clearly stated in the product description, and this is another important consideration before you purchase. If you want to accommodate a wide variety of patients at your practice, you should look for tables with the highest weight limits, making sure they are also backed by durable construction and safety standards.
• Mobility: Not all practices require gynecology exam tables to be mobile; you may be fine with a table that stays fixed in one place after you purchase it. However, if you anticipate the need to move tables between treatment rooms, you will want to purchase gynecology exam tables with rollers and roller stops.

Spa Source for Your Medical Equipment Needs

Spa Source works with only the best manufacturers in medical and spa equipment to provide our customers with the tools they need to outfit their practices.

Whether you are in the market for gynecology examination tables, chiropractic tables, or massage tables, we have you covered with a wide range of quality equipment. Our gynecology examination tables offer many useful features that our customers love, and our expert team would be happy to discuss the needs of your specific practice to find the best tables for your budget.

Contact us today to learn more about the products we offer; we want to be your trusted source for medical equipment and can offer you a level of customer service unmatched by our competitors.