Depending on the types of images and the patient population you plan to image regularly, you may want to consider a system that includes an x-ray table. This article will describe why you may want an x-ray table and some of the key features of the different types of tables.
X-ray tables have a bucky underneath the tabletop that holds the DR panel. The surface of the table is made of a table that allows for rays from the x-ray beam to penetrate the table and produce clear images. This setup allows a patient to sit or lay down to have images taken (depending on what type of image needs to be obtained). X-ray tables can be stationary and are designed to stay in one location, or you can purchase an x-ray table that is mobile and can be moved around. The type of table you choose will likely depend on the x-ray machine you have, the room configuration and size, your patient population, and what your preferences are.
Stationary X-Ray Tables
Stationary x-ray tables are not designed to move from location to location. These types of tables are more common in urgent care or imaging centers with dedicated x-ray rooms and are generally a part of systems that have both the table and a wall stand bucky. Stationary tables can be completely stationary with the top of the table being fixed in place, or the top surface of the table can move (2 way or 4-way movements are available). Other options you can choose for stationary tables are having the option to adjust the height of the table up and down to assist patients who may have difficulty getting on the table. Stationary x-ray tables can also have foot controls to utilize some of the features of the table.
Mobile X-Ray Tables
Mobile x-ray tables have wheels at the bottom of the table legs that allow you to move the table from one place to another. The wheels have locks that must be engaged for safety when a patient is getting on or off the table. Mobile tables are good for smaller spaces where you might need to move the table aside, for straight arm systems where the bucky rotates from taking upright images to a flat tabletop configuration. Mobile tables are also useful if you have a mobile x-ray system and wish to move your x-ray system from room to room. Depending on the table you choose, a mobile table may not be able to handle as much weight as a stationary table. There are also special tables that are designed for certain types of x-ray machines such as mobile tables that are designed to work with a c-arm system.
In summary, some key questions to ask when you are considering purchasing an x-ray table would be:
- What types of images are you needing to take and do they require a table?
- What is my patient population that I will be taking images of and will they have limited capacity to stand to take images?
- Will my patients have difficulty getting up on a table?
- Do I want my table top to move? Right, left, forwards, backwards, up, down?
- Do I need the table to move out of the way or from room to room?
