Cadaver Dissection Tables for Medical Schools — A Buyer's Guide
Procurement of cadaver dissection tables for a medical school gross anatomy program involves several decisions that most facilities and equipment departments don’t encounter often. This guide covers what medical school anatomy programs need to know when sourcing cadaver dissection tables, from table type selection to procurement process.
Table Type Selection
The right cadaver dissection table type depends on your preservation protocol:
- Embalmed cadavers (formalin-fixed): Standard flat-surface stainless dissection table with optional drawers. The most common anatomy lab dissection table for U.S. medical schools using traditional embalming.
- Thiel-embalmed or wet-specimen cadavers: Immersion dissection table required. USPE makes electric and manual immersion configurations. See: Electric vs Manual Immersion Table Guide.
- Research / forensic applications: Pedestal autopsy/dissection table with electric height adjustment for ergonomic faculty and resident use.
- Ventilation requirements: Covered vented dissection table for programs requiring downward airflow for chemical vapor management.
Specifications to Confirm Before Ordering
- Table dimensions (standard vs. custom for your lab layout)
- Number of stations needed for your student-to-table ratio
- Drain configuration and floor drain access
- Height (fixed vs. adjustable)
- Under-table storage requirements (drawer or no drawer)
- Your preservation protocol (embalmed vs. non-embalmed)
Procurement Process
USPE sells cadaver dissection tables under university purchase orders with tax exemption documentation and W-9 on request. Submit your specs via the RFQ form and receive a confirmed price and lead time within 24 hours. Lead time on dissection tables is typically 6–10 weeks.
Supporting Cadaver Lab Infrastructure
A complete medical school gross anatomy lab also requires cadaver storage coolers (see: Cadaver Storage Systems), cadaver rack systems (Cadaver Racks), anatomy lab sinks (Anatomy Lab Sinks), and specimen storage (Specimen Storage). USPE + AMC covers all of it under one PO.
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