Medical Examiner Facility Equipment — New Build Planning Guide

Guide to medical examiner facility equipment for new builds: when to contact AMC, morgue cooling systems, autopsy suite equipment, first call cots, and grossing stations — all under one government PO.
2 min read
medical examiner facility equipment new build planning autopsy table morgue cooling AMC USPE

Planning a new medical examiner facility involves coordinating equipment specifications with the architect and GC early in the design process — cooler rough-in dimensions, drain locations, and electrical requirements must be locked before framing. This guide covers every equipment category and the optimal planning sequence for a new ME facility build.

Phase 1: Coordinate Before Design Lock

Contact AMC before your architect locks the floor plan. Walk-in morgue cooling systems require specific floor area, ceiling height, and electrical rough-in that must be coordinated with the structural design. AMC provides exact rough-in dimension requirements and coordinate sheets at time of RFQ. Submit a preliminary RFQ with projected body count and jurisdiction population for a walk-in cooler size recommendation.

Phase 2: Morgue Cooling Systems

ME offices serving small jurisdictions (under 500 deaths/year) typically start with a 10×10 walk-in with 4-tier interior racks. Mid-size jurisdictions: 10×16. Large jurisdictions: 10×20 or custom. See: ME Facility Equipment Hub.

Phase 3: Autopsy Suite Equipment

Autopsy suite equipment for a new ME facility: pedestal autopsy table (electric height, standard ME), covered vented autopsy table (for chemical use compliance), hydraulic autopsy trolley for body transfer, water control unit and foot pedal sink. See: Autopsy Tables Hub.

Phase 4: First Call & Transport

ME offices require PRO-series mortuary cots for body intake: PRO 1000X (1,000 lb for bariatric decedents) and PRO 650X (650 lb standard). Add a cadaver stretcher cart for in-facility transport. See: First Call Equipment Hub.

Phase 5: Grossing & Casework

Pathology grossing station and custom stainless casework for evidence and specimen storage. See: Grossing Stations Hub.

Single PO, Government Procurement

AMC + USPE covers all five phases under one government purchase order. W-9, bid documentation, and phased delivery coordination available. See: Government Procurement Hub · RFQ Center | W-9 | Purchase Orders.