Autopsy Table Types Compared: Stationary, Elevating & Immersion

Stationary, elevating, and immersion — the three main autopsy table types serve different caseloads and settings. Choosing the wrong one means either overpaying for capability you won't use or straining a workflow the table wasn't built for.

Stationary tables

Fixed-height tables suit lower-volume settings where working height doesn't need to change between procedures or staff.

Elevating tables

Height-adjustable tables accommodate different staff and procedures, and are the common choice for higher-throughput forensic and hospital pathology settings.

Immersion tables

Built around a fluid reservoir rather than a drainage trough, immersion tables serve university anatomy programs working with cadavers preserved in solution over an extended period. See our immersion dissection table guide for details.

Matching table type to setting

Medical examiner and coroner offices with variable caseloads typically favor elevating tables; university programs favor immersion; lower-volume settings can be well served by stationary designs. Our full autopsy tables, anatomy tables, and grossing stations line covers all three in 304 stainless.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between stationary and elevating autopsy tables?

Stationary tables are fixed-height and suit lower-volume settings. Elevating tables adjust working height for different staff and procedures, common in higher-throughput labs.

When is an immersion table the right choice?

For university anatomy programs working with cadavers preserved in solution over an extended period, rather than single post-mortem procedures.

Are all table types available in 304 stainless?

Yes, our full autopsy and anatomy table line is built in 304 stainless steel across stationary, elevating, and immersion configurations.