Dissection tables — downdraft, backdraft & immersion, 304 stainless
American Mortuary Coolers manufactures dissection tables for pathology, histology, forensic, and veterinary laboratories. Every dissection table is fabricated from 304 or 316 stainless steel and built to the ventilation, drainage, and workflow requirements of your lab. We are a U.S. manufacturer selling factory-direct, not a distributor reselling another brand.
The line covers downdraft and backdraft ventilated dissection tables, covered dissection tables with recessed tops, open dissection tables with optional drawers, and electric and manual immersion (formalin) dissection tables. Integrated fume extraction, sink, hydro-aspirator, and Lexan splash shielding are available depending on configuration.
Dissection table types
The right dissection table depends on your ventilation strategy, specimen type, and whether immersion fixation is part of the workflow:
- — Downdraft dissection tables — extraction pulls formalin vapor down through a perforated surface, away from the breathing zone.
- — Backdraft dissection tables — rear-plenum extraction for benches sited against a wall.
- — Covered dissection tables — recessed top that drains toward a single end into a suspended bucket; no separate body tray required.
- — Open dissection tables — flat working surface with optional drawers for instruments and supplies.
- — Immersion dissection tables — electric or manual tables with a fluid reservoir for formalin-fixed specimen work.
Construction & standards
All dissection tables are welded from 304 or 316 stainless steel with seamless welds, rounded edges, and a sloped, perforated working surface that drains efficiently. Hot/cold mixing fixtures, hydro-aspirator vacuum control, and shatterproof Lexan splash shields are available. Tables are designed to meet OSHA workplace standards and to control formaldehyde exposure in grossing and dissection environments.
Where these tables are used
Our dissection tables serve hospital pathology and histology departments, forensic and medical examiner laboratories, university teaching labs, and veterinary necropsy facilities — supporting specimen dissection, gross examination, tissue harvesting, and instructional work.
Manufacturer-direct vs. distributor
Most dissection tables sold in the United States move through distributors that mark up another company's equipment. We design and fabricate in-house and ship factory-direct, which removes the reseller margin and lets us customize tops, ventilation, sinks, and dimensions to your specification. Facilities comparing quotes from Mopec, Mortech, Thermo Scientific, or ARES Scientific are encouraged to request a direct comparison.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a downdraft and a backdraft dissection table?
A downdraft table draws fumes down through a perforated surface, while a backdraft table extracts from a rear plenum. Downdraft suits open-floor benches; backdraft suits tables placed against a wall.
What is an immersion dissection table?
An immersion table includes a fluid reservoir for working with formalin-fixed specimens. We offer both electric and manual immersion models.
What stainless steel grade are your dissection tables made from?
Tables are fabricated from 304 stainless steel as standard, with 316 available for higher chemical and corrosion resistance. Welds are seamless and surfaces finish for fast disinfection.
Do your dissection tables help with formaldehyde compliance?
Yes. Downdraft and backdraft ventilation is designed to control formalin vapor in the breathing zone, supporting OSHA formaldehyde exposure requirements. Final compliance depends on room air handling.
Can a dissection table be used as a grossing station?
Ventilated dissection tables and grossing stations share core features. For dedicated specimen accessioning and tissue grossing, see our grossing stations; for general dissection, these tables are appropriate.
How do I get pricing for a dissection table?
Pricing is quote-based. Submit a request and our team returns a configured quote, typically within 24 hours.
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