How to Slipcover a Medical Examination Table

A medical exam table is covered with either disposable or washable coverings that are changed in between each patient. Slipcovers for a medical exam table are usually paper or cloth. Changing slipcovers in between patients helps reduce the risk of disease transmission from patient to patient. Covering a medical exam table according to individual medical facility policy is best for safe practices.

Things You'll Need

  • Exam table
  • Paper roll for exam table
  • Paper sheet for exam table
  • Full-sized cloth sheet
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Instructions

  1. Paper Roll

    • 1

      Select a new roll of exam table paper.

    • 2

      Raise the head of the exam table.

    • 3

      Locate the wooden or metal bar at the head of the table. Remove the bar from the brackets on the exam table.

    • 4

      Place the bar through the paper roll. Set the bar back into the brackets with the paper roll in place.

    • 5

      Lower the head of the exam table by pressing the release button or lever on the either the right or left side of the exam table.

    • 6

      Pull the free end of the paper roll over the top of the exam table to the foot of the exam table. Ensure that the paper covers the entire length of the exam table. Tuck the loose end of the paper under the foot pad of the exam table.

    Paper Sheet

    • 7

      Select a paper sheet appropriate for the size of exam table that you are covering.

    • 8

      Fold the paper sheet vertically or length-wise.

    • 9

      Place the paper sheet over the exam table from the head of the table to the foot.

    • 10

      Tuck the loose end of the sheet beneath the exam table cushion at the head of the bed. Repeat at the foot of the bed.

    • 11

      Smooth any wrinkles from the length of the paper sheet for a neat appearance.

    Cloth Sheet

    • 12

      Select a clean, full sized cloth sheet.

    • 13

      Fold the sheet vertically or length-wise.

    • 14

      Place the sheet over the exam table. Ensure that the sheet covers the entire exam table from the head of the table to the foot.

    • 15

      Tuck the loose ends of the cloth sheet beneath the head cushion of the exam table.

    • 16

      Tuck the loose ends of the cloth sheet beneath the foot cushion of the exam table. Smooth the cloth sheet over the length of the table to remove any wrinkles.

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