Understanding Imaging Tables Used in Healthcare

Every day diagnostic imaging helps healthcare professionals make diagnoses and formulate comprehensive treatment plans. And, supporting every clear X-ray, detailed CT scan, or precision surgical image is the often taken for granted, but essential, imaging table.

Imaging tables are far more than just flat surfaces for patients undergoing imaging procedures. They in fact offer stable, adjustable, and radiolucent platforms essential for radiography. Imaging tables used in healthcare are designed to improve the quality of the images produced, the safety of the patient, and the ergonomic well-being of the clinical staff.

With that said, let's explore the different types of imaging tables, their unique features and benefits.

Fixed vs. Mobile Imaging Tables: Stability Meets Flexibility

With imaging needs varying across healthcare settings, choosing the right type of imaging table is essential to achieving both diagnostic accuracy and workflow efficiency. One of the most important distinctions to understand is whether a table is fixed or mobile and the unique benefits of each table. Let’s take a closer look at how these two options compare.

Fixed Imaging Tables

Fixed imaging tables, as their name suggests, are permanently installed in an imaging suite.

Key Features:

• Exceptional Stability: Fixed imaging tables are bolted to the floor so they can provide stability critical for procedures requiring absolute precision.
  
  
• High Weight Capacity: Because of their robust construction and stationary design, fixed weight imaging tables can support greater weight.
  
  
• Integrated Systems: Fixed imaging tables can be seamlessly integrated with electronic medical records (EMR).
  
  
• Common Use: These tables are commonly used in dedicated imaging rooms for imaging systems like large CT scanners or in advanced interventional radiology suites.

Benefits:

• The inherent stability minimizes motion for sharper, clearer images.
• Fixed design reduces the risk of table movement during critical procedures or during patient transfer onto or off the table.
• Fixed imaging tables are built for long-term, high-volume use.

Mobile Imaging Tables

In contrast with fixed imaging tables mobile imaging tables feature casters that allow them to be moved between imaging rooms or within a single large suite.

Key Features:

• Portability: Medical grade, heavy-duty swivel casters with locking mechanisms are commonly used for mobile imaging tables. Additionally, these casters can bear high weights and may be non-magnetic in specific environments.
  
  
• Versatility: Mobile imaging tables can be used with a range of imaging equipment and in multiple locations.
  
  
• Compact Design: With the idea of minimizing strain on the clinician, mobile imaging tables are designed to be lighter and more maneuverable.

Benefits:

• A single table can help optimize capital equipment resources by virtue of the fact it can be used across multiple imaging units and procedures.
• Mobile imaging tables are Ideal for facilities with fewer imaging suites, such as smaller clinics or emergency departments.
• Imaging tables equipped with casters can facilitate more efficient patient transfers. For example, from pre-op to imaging and then on to recovery.

Manual vs. Motorized/Electrohydraulic Tables: Cost-Effectiveness vs. Precision

While mobility plays a key role in how imaging tables are used within different clinical settings, the method of table adjustment is equally important. Beyond fixed and mobile, imaging tables may also be categorized as manual or motorized/electrohydraulic.

Let’s explore the features and benefits of both types.

Manual Imaging Tables

Manual tables require physical effort on the part of clinicians to adjust height, tilt, and other positions.

Key Features:

• Lever and Crank Systems: Manual imaging tables use mechanical levers, cranks, or pneumatic assists for adjustments.
  
  
• Simplicity: Fewer electronic components mean less complexity.
  
  
• Basic Functionality: Manual imaging tables offer basic adjustments such as height and lateral movement.

Benefits:

• Manually operated imaging tables are often less expensive to purchase and maintain.
• Fewer electronic parts can sometimes mean fewer points of failure.
• These imaging tables are ideal for clinics or departments with infrequent imaging needs.

Motorized/Electrohydraulic Imaging Tables

Motorized or electrohydraulic imaging tables use electric motors or hydraulic systems for smooth and precise adjustments.

Key Features:

• Remote Control/Foot Pedals: Clinicians can adjust motorized or electrohydraulic imaging tables with floor pedals.
  
  
• Multi-Axis Adjustments: These tables offer a wider range of adjustments including height, Trendelenburg, reverse Trendelenburg, lateral tilt, and longitudinal/transverse translations.
  
  
• Programmable Positions: Many models can store pre-set positions for common procedures.
  
  
• Smooth, Quiet Operation: Patient comfort can be elevated with silent adjustments by electric motors.

Benefits:

• Reduced physical effort by clinicians helps prevent workplace injuries.
• Adjustments critical to optimal image acquisition and patient positioning can be made efficiently and effortlessly.
• Smooth movements minimize jostling the patient while precision positioning helps ensure patient stability.
• Motorized adjustments help streamline the imaging process.

Modality-Specific Imaging Tables: Tailored for Technique

Once the type and operation of an imaging table are determined, the next consideration is how it aligns with specific imaging methods. Different procedures, such as radiography, fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, and surgical imaging, require specialized tables designed to meet their unique technical and ergonomic demands.

This is where modality-specific imaging tables come into play. Specialized imaging tables offer tailored features to optimize both performance and patient care.

Here are the most common imaging tables used in healthcare.

X-ray Tables

X-ray imaging tables are specialized platforms designed to support patients during radiographic examinations. They are designed to provide stability, precise positioning, and easy access for both patients and technologists while allowing X-rays to pass through with minimal interference.

Most X-ray tables feature a radiolucent tabletop made of carbon fiber or similar materials. These materials help ensure images are free of unwanted distortions or anomalies. Choose from fixed or mobile tables with adjustable height, tilt, and movement controls to accommodate different procedures, improve image accuracy, and support patient comfort.

Other Features:

• Bucky Tray Compatibility: These tables often includes a sliding tray underneath for housing X-ray cassettes or digital detectors.
  
  
• Weight Capacity: Designed and constructed to safely accommodate a wide range of patient sizes.

Benefits:

• Optimal Image Quality
• Suitable for a broad range of X-ray procedures.

Fluoroscopy Tables

Fluoroscopy imaging tables are specialized tables designed for real-time X-ray imaging procedures, where continuous or dynamic visualization of internal structures is required.

These tables are also typically radiolucent, allowing X-rays to pass through without distortion, and are engineered to work seamlessly with fluoroscopy systems. They often include advanced features such as motorized height and tilt adjustments, Trendelenburg positioning, and smooth patient movement to support precise imaging angles. Because fluoroscopy procedures can be lengthy, these tables also prioritize patient comfort and technologist accessibility, helping ensure accurate imaging and efficient workflow. 

Other Features:

• Cantilevered Design: Fluoroscopy tables often feature a floating or cantilevered tabletop to allow unrestricted movement of a C-arm around the patient.
  
  
• Carbon Fiber Extension: These extensions maximize the imaging window without obstruction.
  
  
• High Weight Capacity and Stability: Designed and constructed to support patients during complex, sometimes lengthy procedures.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive imaging from a range of angles.
• Multi-access features help facilitate accurate needle placement or device deployment.
• Reduced Radiation Exposure through efficient patient positioning that minimizes the need for repeated imaging.

CT (Computed Tomography) Imaging Tables

CT imaging tables are specialized tables used in computed tomography (CT) scans to position and support patients while they pass through the CT scanner. These tables are designed with motorized longitudinal movement that precisely moves a patient through the CT scanners aperture.

Most CT tables are motorized and radiolucent. They often include features like adjustable height, high weight capacity, and safety straps to ensure patient stability and comfort during scanning.

Other Features:

• Integration with CT Scanner: Synchronized movement with the scanner for optimal image acquisition.

Benefits:

• Smooth, precise movement eliminates distortion and anomalies in the imaging.
• Stable platforms reduce the risk of patient shifting during scanning.
• Quick and accurate patient positioning supports workflow efficiency.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Imaging Tables

MRI imaging tables are designed to safely position and support patients during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. These tables are constructed of non-magnetic or non-ferromagnetic, radio-lucent materials to ensure compatibility with the strong magnetic fields of MRI machines.

Typically, MRI tables include features such as cushions, straps, and removable sections to support different body parts for higher levels of patient comfort.

MRI tables are also designed to support various coil placements. These coils and their positions are essential for capturing high-quality images.

Other Features:

• Non-Ferromagnetic Materials: MRI tables are constructed entirely of materials like aluminum, plastic, or specialized composites that are safe in the MRI environment.
  
  
• Motorized or Manual Non-Ferrous Adjustments: These features support patient positioning within the MRI bore.
  
  
• Patient Transport Options: MRI imaging tables are often designed to detach from the main console for more efficient patient transfer to and from the MRI suite.

Benefits:

• MRI tables are designed with patient support in mind as scans are often lengthy.

Surgical Imaging Tables (Hybrid OR Tables)

Surgical imaging tables are used in operating rooms to support patients during procedures that require real-time imaging, such as fluoroscopy, angiography, or hybrid surgeries.

These tables are designed to provide stability, precision positioning, and easy access to the patient for both the surgical team and imaging equipment. They often feature radiolucent surfaces, motorized adjustments for height, tilt, and rotation, and modular components that can accommodate different surgical procedures while ensuring patient safety and comfort. 

Other Features:

• Advanced Radiolucency: Extensive carbon fiber imaging windows for 3D imaging during surgery.
  
  
• Motorized Articulation: Unparalleled range of motion features including tilt, Trendelenburg, height, and longitudinal/lateral shift are standard to accommodate multiple surgical positions and imaging angles.
  
  
• C-arm and Robotic System Compatibility: Surgical imaging tables are designed to integrate seamlessly with mobile C-arms, angiography systems, and robotic surgical platforms.
  
  
• High Weight Capacity: To support both patients and associated surgical equipment these tables are engineered for high weight capacity.
  
  
• Sterile Environment Considerations: Easy to clean surfaces and designed for compatibility with surgical drapes

Benefits:

• Real-time Intraoperative Imaging allows surgeons to visualize anatomy and progress during complex procedures such as vascular and neurosurgery.
• Eliminates the risky and time-consuming process of moving patients between the OR and imaging suite.
• Greater surgical accuracy can lead to fewer complications.
• Streamlines the efficiency of complex procedures, ultimately saving time and resources.
  
  

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Choosing the Right Imaging Table for Your Facility

Selecting the appropriate imaging table is a critical decision for any healthcare facility, whether a bustling city hospital or a town clinic.

It requires thoughtful consideration of:

• Imaging Needs: The most important consideration is what imaging table is best for the imaging needs of the facility. For example, An MRI table is useless in an X-ray room, and vice-versa.
  
  
• Patient Population: Consider the typical weight, size, and mobility of your patients. Will you need a bariatric table?
  
  
• Workflow and Volume: High-volume departments will benefit from motorized, efficient tables, while lower-volume settings might find manual tables more cost-effective.
  
  
• Budget: Imaging tables represent a significant investment. Balance desired features with financial constraints.
  
  
• Space and Layout: Fixed tables require dedicated space, while mobile tables offer flexibility.
  
  
• C-arm Compatibility: If your procedures involve C-arms, ensure the table provides unrestricted access and adequate radiolucent areas.

Imaging tables, far from being mere pieces of furniture, are sophisticated medical devices that can directly contribute to diagnostic accuracy, patient safety, and operational efficiency. Investing in the correct imaging table, one that aligns with your facility's specific imaging methods, patient needs, workflow, and budget, is an investment in clearer imaging results, smoother procedures, and ultimately, better patient outcomes. By understanding the diverse types of imaging tables and their specialized features, healthcare providers can make informed decisions that help elevate their standard of care.

Partner with CME Corp. for Imaging Tables

As a nationally recognized healthcare equipment distributor and the only distributor focused solely on capital equipment used in healthcare, CME has built relationships with industry leading imaging table manufacturers.

Our expert account managers will work with you and the manufacturers’ representatives to help select imaging tables with the features that satisfy both facility and patient needs.

For our customers with construction or renovation projects, our  Cad-based layout and design services will help healthcare professionals visualize the imaging equipment, in its environment, down to the inch.

Complementing CME’s singular capital medical equipment expertise are direct-to-site delivery and biomedical services. We are the only medical equipment distributor nationwide, able to say we are truly a one-stop shop.

CME’s Logistics and Direct-To-Site service teams can receive, inspect, assemble (as needed), and deliver your imaging tables when it is convenient for you.

Our Biomedical Equipment Technicians can work with your facility to establish equipment maintenance and repair plans focused on ensuring the reliability of your imaging tables and compliance with applicable regulations.

Click CHAT to begin a conversation about your imaging table needs or connect with our account managers.

About CME: CME Corp is the nation’s premier specialty distributor of healthcare and life sciences equipment. We partner with over 2,000 manufacturers to offer more than 2 million products across healthcare, laboratory, pharmacy, and research sectors. In addition to an extensive product portfolio, we also offer project management, CAD design, warehousing, logistics, consolidated direct-to-site delivery, and biomedical and technical services, all staffed by CME employees. Our mission, to help healthcare facilities nationwide reduce the cost of the equipment they purchase, make their equipment acquisition, delivery, installation, and maintenance processes more efficient, and help them seamlessly launch, renovate, or expand on schedule, is supported by 25 service locations strategically located across the country.