---
title: "Medical exam tables: a buyer's guide to examination tables and chairs"
url: https://www.kelingmed.com/blog/exam-table-buying-guide/
published: 2026-09-04
updated: 2026-10-19
author: Keling Medical export team
---

# Medical exam tables: a buyer's guide to examination tables and chairs

How to choose an exam table: fixed, manual and power examination tables, exam chairs, tables with stirrups, dimensions, accessibility and a spec checklist.

## Key points

- An exam table falls into one of three groups: fixed-height tables, manually adjustable tables with a moving backrest, and power (electric) exam tables that change height and position with a motor.
- Power exam tables that lower to about 17 in (430 mm) make transfers far easier for older and disabled patients, and US accessibility standards for diagnostic equipment use that low height.
- Exam chairs and procedure chairs suit specialties where the patient sits, such as ENT, dermatology and minor procedures; gynecological tables and exam tables with stirrups are a separate category.
- Most medical exam tables are 1.8–1.95 m (71–77 in) long and 60–70 cm (24–28 in) wide; check that the room leaves at least about 1 m (3 ft) of clear space on the working side.
- A good specification states the table type, dimensions, height range, backrest angle, safe working load, upholstery, accessories and the documents required for import.


An **exam table** (examination table) is a padded couch on which a patient sits or lies for a clinical examination. Buyers choose between fixed-height tables, manual tables with an adjustable backrest, and power exam tables that raise and lower electrically; specialty clinics add exam chairs and gynecological tables with stirrups. Height range, width, safe working load and upholstery decide which one fits.

This guide explains each type, the dimensions that matter, accessibility, the exam room around the table, and a specification checklist for hospitals, clinics and distributors.

## Types of medical exam table

There are five common types. A typical outpatient department uses two or three of them.

| Type | Height | Backrest | Best for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed-height exam table | Fixed, often 60–80 cm (24–31 in) | Fixed or manual | General consulting rooms, low budgets | Needs a step stool; hard for frail patients |
| Manual exam table | Fixed or manual crank | Manual, gas spring or ratchet | General practice, wards, screening | Height cannot change between patients |
| Power exam table | Electric, wide range | Electric | Older, disabled and wheelchair-using patients | Needs power; higher cost and maintenance |
| Exam chair / procedure chair | Electric | Electric back, seat, legs | ENT, dermatology, ophthalmology, minor procedures | Narrower lying surface |
| Gynecological exam table | Fixed or electric | Manual or electric | Gynecology, obstetrics, urology | Needs stirrups or leg supports and a basin |

Portable exam tables, which fold like a case, also exist for outreach clinics, sports events and field hospitals. They trade stability and working load for transportability.

## Fixed and manual exam tables

A manual exam table is the workhorse of general practice: simple, durable and almost maintenance free. The backrest usually adjusts with a gas spring or ratchet, and some models add optional castors.

Two examples from Keling's range:

- The [KL-BC123 Examination Table](https://www.kelingmed.com/products/examination-tables/kl-bc123-examination-table/) is a fixed-height examination table with a 1800 × 600 × 600 mm (70.9 × 23.6 × 23.6 in) padded surface, sturdy steel frame and optional castors.
- The [KL-BC121 Examination Table](https://www.kelingmed.com/products/examination-tables/kl-bc121-examination-table/) measures 1900 × 600 × 600 mm (74.8 × 23.6 × 23.6 in), with a backrest adjusting 0–60° (±10°), a powder-coated steel frame, high-density foam PU upholstery and optional castors.

The weakness of a manual table is that its height suits only some patients and some clinicians. A patient who cannot step up needs help, which is where falls happen.

## Power exam tables

A power (electric) exam table changes height, and often backrest angle, with an electric actuator controlled by a foot switch or hand control. The key benefit is the low position: the patient sits on at chair height and the table then rises to the clinician's working height.

Power examination tables are increasingly the default for new outpatient buildings, geriatric clinics and rehabilitation departments. Keling's [KL-BC120 Electric Examination Table](https://www.kelingmed.com/products/examination-tables/kl-bc120-electric-examination-table/) is an electric examination table measuring 1940 × 700 mm (76.4 × 27.6 in), with electric height adjustment from 490 to 890 mm (19.3–35.0 in), a backrest that adjusts 0–70° and a dual motor system.

When comparing electric exam tables, ask about:

- Lowest and highest height, and lift speed
- Control types and whether they can be locked
- Safe working load in kg and lb
- Actuator duty cycle and expected service intervals
- Electrical supply (110–120 V or 220–240 V) and plug type
- Test reports for IEC 60601-1, the general standard for medical electrical equipment, where the table is sold as a medical electrical device

## Exam chairs and procedure chairs

An exam chair, also called a medical examination chair or procedure chair, positions the patient seated, reclined or nearly flat, with separate back, seat and leg sections. It suits ENT, dermatology, ophthalmology, phlebotomy and minor surgical procedures, where the clinician works at the head, face or arm.

Choose an exam chair when most examinations happen with the patient upright or reclined, and an exam table when the patient mainly lies flat. For blood draws and infusions, see our guide to [infusion, dialysis and blood-draw chairs](https://www.kelingmed.com/blog/infusion-and-dialysis-chairs/), which covers chairs designed for long sessions.

## Exam tables with stirrups and gynecological tables

An exam table with stirrups supports the patient in the lithotomy position for gynecological, obstetric and urological examinations. Dedicated gynecological tables add a drop-away or shortened seat section, a waste basin and, on electric models, height and tilt adjustment.

Keling's [KL-BC122 Gynecological Examination Table](https://www.kelingmed.com/products/examination-tables/kl-bc122-gynecological-examination-table/) is a gynecological examination table measuring 1880 × 600 × 680 mm (74.0 × 23.6 × 26.8 in) with a safe working load of 250 kg (551 lb), built-in drawers, a sliding stool and a stainless steel basin. For electric gynecology tables, leg-support types and positioning, see our dedicated [gynecological examination chair buyer's guide](https://www.kelingmed.com/blog/gynecological-examination-chair-guide/).

## Exam table dimensions

Most medical exam tables are 1.8–1.95 m (71–77 in) long and 60–70 cm (24–28 in) wide. Fixed tables are commonly 60–80 cm (24–31 in) high; power tables span a range.

| Dimension | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 1800–1950 mm (71–77 in) | Longer tops suit tall patients lying flat |
| Width | 600–700 mm (24–28 in) | Wider tops feel more secure; narrower tops improve reach |
| Fixed height | 600–800 mm (24–31 in) | Higher tables need a step stool |
| Power table range | from about 430–500 mm (17–20 in) up to about 890 mm (35 in) | Low entry, standing working height |
| Backrest angle | 0–60° to 0–80° | Higher angles allow upright seated exams |

Before ordering, check door widths, lift sizes and the room footprint. Leave clear floor space on the clinician's working side and at the foot for a wheelchair approach; around 1 m (3 ft) is a practical minimum, but follow your national health-building guidance.

## Accessibility and safe patient transfers

Patient falls during transfers are one of the main reasons facilities upgrade to power exam tables. A table that lowers to chair height lets a patient sit and swing their legs up instead of climbing.

In the United States, the Access Board's Standards for Accessible Medical Diagnostic Equipment (36 CFR Part 1195) set technical requirements for examination tables used with the patient lying down. They include:

- A low transfer height of 17 in (430 mm) and a high transfer height of 25 in (635 mm), with at least four additional positions in between
- A transfer surface at least 28 in (710 mm) wide
- Transfer supports such as grab bars or rails within reach of the transfer surface

Even outside the US, these numbers are a useful benchmark for accessible clinic design. Check whether your national rules or funding programs set their own requirements.

## The exam room around the table

The table is one part of the doctor exam room. Specify the rest at the same time so finishes and dimensions match:

- **Examination light.** A mobile or wall-mounted LED exam light, such as Keling's [KL-EA02 Examination Lamp](https://www.kelingmed.com/products/hospital-furniture/kl-ea02-examination-lamp/) mobile gooseneck examination lamp with a height range of 1100–1800 mm. Our [examination lights guide](https://www.kelingmed.com/blog/examination-lights-guide/) compares the options.
- **Step stool.** Essential for fixed-height tables; choose one with an anti-slip platform and a handrail where possible. The [KL-FS002 Medical Foot Stool](https://www.kelingmed.com/products/hospital-furniture/kl-fs002-medical-foot-stool/) medical foot stool comes in single-step and double-step versions with a stainless steel frame.
- **Clinician stool** with castors and height adjustment.
- **Privacy screen or cubicle curtain**, so the patient can undress out of view of the door.
- **Paper roll holder**, glove and waste stations, and a sink within reach.

## Upholstery, hygiene and durability

Medical-grade PU or vinyl upholstery over high-density foam is standard. It should resist fluids and repeated disinfection without cracking. Ask the manufacturer which disinfectants the cover has been tested against, prefer side seams over seams across the lying surface, and confirm that replacement tops are available.

Frames are typically powder-coated steel or stainless steel. Powder-coated steel is economical and durable in dry clinic rooms; stainless steel suits wet areas and aggressive cleaning regimes.

## Exam table specification checklist

Use this list when writing a tender or comparing quotes from exam table manufacturers:

1. Type: fixed, manual, power, exam chair or gynecological
2. Surface length and width, overall footprint (mm and in)
3. Height (fixed) or height range (power), lowest and highest
4. Backrest and leg-section angles
5. Safe working load (kg and lb) and test method
6. Frame material and finish
7. Upholstery material, color, thickness and disinfectant compatibility
8. Castors, fixed feet or leveling feet
9. Accessories: paper roll holder, stirrups, drawers, step stool, side rails
10. For power tables: control type, voltage, plug, duty cycle, electrical safety test reports
11. Documents: ISO 13485 certificate, declarations and registrations for the destination country, user manual and IFU, warranty and spare parts list
12. Packing dimensions and gross weight

Keling Medical manufactures in Yangzhou under ISO 13485:2016 certification by SGS and supplies hospitals, distributors and tender agents. Ask for the documents that apply to the specific model and destination country. For a broader view of outfitting a facility, see the [hospital equipment list](https://www.kelingmed.com/blog/hospital-equipment-list/).

## Next steps

Match the table type to your patients and specialties first, then fix dimensions, height range and upholstery in a written specification. Browse Keling's [examination tables](https://www.kelingmed.com/products/examination-tables/) range and [send your requirements for a quotation](https://www.kelingmed.com/contact/#rfq).


## FAQ

### What is the difference between an exam table and an exam chair?

An exam table is a flat or partly articulating couch on which the patient lies or sits for a general examination. An exam chair, or procedure chair, positions the patient seated or reclined with powered back, seat and leg sections, and suits specialties such as ENT, dermatology, ophthalmology and minor procedures where the clinician works at the head or upper body.

### How tall is a standard medical exam table?

Traditional fixed and box-style exam tables are often around 60–80 cm (24–31 in) high and may need a step stool. Power exam tables adjust, with many lowering to about 45–50 cm (18–20 in) and accessible models to 17 in (430 mm). Choose by your patients: a low entry height reduces falls during transfers.

### Do I need an electric exam table?

You need an electric exam table if many of your patients are older, disabled, pregnant or use wheelchairs, because it lowers for a safe transfer and rises to a good working height for the clinician. A manual exam table is adequate for general clinics with mostly mobile patients and keeps costs and maintenance down.

### What is an exam table with stirrups used for?

An exam table with stirrups supports the legs in the lithotomy position for gynecological, obstetric and urological examinations and procedures. Dedicated gynecological tables add a drop-away foot section, a waste basin and, on powered models, tilt and height control. Stirrups can also be an accessory on some general exam tables.

### How wide is an examination table?

Most examination tables are 60–70 cm (24–28 in) wide. Wider tops feel more secure for larger patients and when rolling, while narrower tops let the clinician reach across. The US standard for accessible diagnostic equipment calls for a transfer surface at least 28 in (710 mm) wide.

### What upholstery is best for medical exam tables?

Medical-grade PU or vinyl upholstery over high-density foam is standard because it is fluid-resistant and can be wiped with hospital disinfectants. Check that the manufacturer has tested the cover against the disinfectants you use, that seams are on the sides and that replacement tops are available.

### What should I ask exam table manufacturers before ordering?

Ask for the full drawings and specification, the safe working load and how it was tested, the upholstery material and cleaning compatibility, the ISO 13485 certificate, test reports for powered tables, and the registrations or declarations that apply in your country. Also confirm packing size, lead time, warranty and spare-parts supply.