STANDARDS FOR ACCESSIBLE MEDICAL

DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT
Transfers Examples
M301.2.2 Size

Transfer Surface Size 

M302.2.2 Size

Two distinct requirements for each equipment 

category – difference as proposed is width
M301 Diagnostic Equipment Used by Patients in 

Supine, Prone, or Side-Lying Position

may not have 

back support
16.4.7 Contact surfaces

e) The support surface should be wide enough to 

enhance patient safety and comfort.

“For platforms on which patients lie down, patients 

should be able to roll to a side or prone position 

with minimal need to lift and shift their center of 

gravity. For example, a standard exam table is 

approximately 27 inches wide and a bariatric table 

is approximately 30 to 32 inches wide, but a wider 

surface makes repositioning easier to 

accomplish.”

ANSI/AAMI HE75
30” wide min. and 15”deep min.

width is based on comments by

the Disability Rights Education 

and Defense Fund (DREDF) in 

response to DOJ’s ANPRM on 

equipment and furniture

generally consistent with the 

dimensions for rectangular seats 

in roll-in showers in the 2004 

ADA and ABA Accessibility

Guidelines 
30” wide min. and 15”deep min.

Seat sizes in widths of 26”, 28” and 30” for minimum 

size shower – 14.5” and 15” deep
M302 Diagnostic Equipment Used by

Patients in Seated Position

Differences from “tables”
21” wide min. and 15”deep min.

width is based on the ideal 

chair width recommended in 

Architectural Graphic 

Standards for auditorium 

seating

depth is generally consistent 

with the dimension for 

rectangular seats in roll-in 

showers in the 2004 ADA and 

ABA Accessibility
Transfer Surface Research

• No research directly 

addresses

• Do have sources of 

anthropometric data
Anthropometric Data

Concerns about 15” min. depth:

The Measure of Man & Woman 

(Henry Dreyfuss Associates, 

2002)

Seat Depth:

16 inches – all adults

20 inches max. – for lounge or 

leisure or tall adults
Anthropometric Data

Concerns about 30” min. 

width:

Distance required to reach 

supports

reference to 50th percentile 

male from The Measure of 

Man & Woman (Henry

Dreyfuss Associates)
Anthropometric Data

Concerns about 30” min. 

width:

28” minimum width 

proposed

reference to 50th percentile 

female from The Measure 

of Man & Woman (Henry

Dreyfuss Associates)
Anthropometric Data

29” min. width proposed

21” seat width plus 8” for 2 hands

The Rules of Work (Author Dan 

MacLeod , 2000)

95th Percentile Male:

Hand Breath – 3.9 inches

Hip Breath – 16.1 inches

16.1 + 2 x 3.9 = 23.9

Note differences from female
Anthropometric Data

The Measure of Man & 

Woman

95th Percentile Male:

Hip Sit – 16.9 inches

99th Percentile Male:

Hand Width – 4.6 inches

16.9 + 2 x 4.6 = 26.1
Anthropometric Data

Wheeled Mobility

Anthropometry Project:

• Anthropometric data on people 

who use mobility devices

• Includes many relevant 

dimensions

• More detailed presentation 

following

www.udeworld.com/anthropometrics.html
Dimensions Analyzed

A: Thigh breadth bi-lateral

B: Bi-deltoid (Shoulder)

breadth

C: Posterior seat to

popliteal length

D: Seat depth




IDeA Center Memo Conclusions

1. Proposed minimum width of 30 in. provides sufficient space for almost all 

individuals in sample based on static measurements. Could be reduced to 

28” and still accommodate 95%.

2. Width of 30” would also accommodate the shoulder breadth of most 

individuals. Reducing width to 28” would still accommodate 95% of sample.

3. Increasing minimum width is recommended for individuals that are 

morbidly obese and/or use bariatric wheelchairs if also a priority. Reference 

maximum values recorded for thigh and shoulder breadth.

4. Depth of 15” for a seating surface found suitable based on median values of 

buttock-popliteal length and wheelchair seat depths.

5. Results reflect static anthropometry measurements and are a starting point. 

User testing is recommended for arriving at more accurate transfer surface 

dimensions and design.
Considerations

• What Data sets to use?

• What gender and percentile would be 

a good benchmark?

• How much to extrapolate from 

“static” anthropometric dimensions?

• Balance between the use of different 

equipment features?

• Multiple recommendations?