Autopsy Tables
What material are autopsy tables made of to ensure they are waterproof and easy to disinfect?
Stainless steel or non-porous stone.
What material are cold room stretchers made of, and why?
Stainless steel because it's durable, hygienic, and resists corrosion.
How long should surfaces remain in contact with bleach before rinsing?
20 minutes.
What saw uses replaceable blades and generates aerosols during bone cutting?
Electric saw.
What tool is used to hold a suture needle during stitching?
Needle holder (portaagujas).
What is found at the food of the cadaver and used to wash organs and tools?
A basin/container used for washing viscera and instruments.
What temperature range does a refrigerated bed use to preserve a body?
Between 0°C and -5°C.
What chemical solution is used to disinfect autopsy surfaces?
Sodium hypochlorite (0.1%)—bleach
What is the function of a bisturí (scalpel)?
To cut or separate tissues.
What is the function of the periostotome (elevator)?
To lift and separate the periosteum from the bone.
Why are the edges of autopsy tables raised and rounded?
To prevent liquids from falling to the floor and to make cleaning easier.
What feature makes the outdoor body trolley different from the indoor one?
It has larger wheels (up to 600 mm) for use on uneven terrain.
What kind of gloves are recommended for maximum protection?
Double gloves: one for biological safety and one anti-cut.
What instrument is used to cut ribs during chest opening?
What type of lamp is used in the autopsy room to provide bright, adjustable light?
A surgical lamp with adjustable dome and side handles.
What additional features improve hygiene and safety on modern autopsy tables?
Water jets, smoke evacuation, suction systems, and removable perforated panels.
What is the benefit of an electric lifting trolley?
It allows one operator to life and insert stretchers into cold rooms safely.
What equipment prevents exposure to aerosols during cutting?
Mechanical saws with built-in suction systems and face coverings.
What tool removes sections of skull bone?
Osteotome (chisel).
What instrument is used to clamp blood vessels to stop bleeding?
Hemostatic clamp.
What feature allows fluids to drain away from the table surface?
A double drainage system that leads to a sink with anti-return mechanisms.
How does the cold room structure allow partial or full stretcher extraction?
A tubular stainless-steel frame supports the stretchers and lets them slide halfway or fully out.
Why must every cadaver be treated as potentially infected?
To prevent biological risk from unknown pathogens.
What instrument cuts delicate or deep tissues?
Metzenbaum scissors.
What instrument is used to grasp and hold tissue during dissection?
Forceps (plain or toothed).