Grossing stations — downdraft & backdraft, ventilated workstations
American Mortuary Coolers manufactures grossing stations for surgical pathology, histology, and forensic laboratories. Every grossing station is fabricated from 304 or 316 stainless steel with integrated ventilation, sink, and work surface sized for specimen accessioning and tissue dissection. We are a U.S. manufacturer selling factory-direct, not a distributor reselling another brand.
Stations are configured as downdraft or backdraft to control formalin vapor at the bench, with hot/cold fixtures, hydro-aspirator vacuum, cutting boards, magnifying lamps, and dictation or imaging integration available depending on configuration.
Downdraft vs. backdraft
Ventilation style is the defining choice for a grossing station, and it depends on bench placement and air handling:
- — Downdraft grossing stations — extraction pulls formalin vapor down through the work surface, keeping fumes below the breathing zone; suited to open-floor benches.
- — Backdraft grossing stations — rear-plenum extraction for benches placed against a wall.
- — Integrated fixtures — sink, hydro-aspirator, cutting board, formalin dispensing and collection, and task lighting at the station.
Construction & standards
Grossing stations are welded from heavy-gauge 304 or 316 stainless steel with seamless welds and rounded edges for fast disinfection and chemical resistance. Ventilation is engineered to control formaldehyde at the source, supporting OSHA formaldehyde exposure requirements; final compliance depends on room air handling. Hands-free controls, eyewash, and ADA-height options are available.
Where these stations are used
Our grossing stations serve surgical pathology and histology departments, forensic and medical examiner laboratories, biopsy and specimen accessioning labs, and university teaching programs — supporting tissue grossing, specimen description, and dictation.
Manufacturer-direct vs. distributor
Most grossing stations sold in the United States move through distributors that mark up another company's equipment. We design and fabricate in-house and ship factory-direct, which removes the reseller margin and lets us configure ventilation, fixtures, lighting, and dimensions to your specification. Labs comparing quotes from Mopec, Leica, Thermo Scientific, or ARES Scientific are encouraged to request a direct comparison.
Frequently asked questions
What is a grossing station?
A grossing station is a ventilated stainless steel workstation for describing and dissecting tissue specimens in surgical pathology. It integrates a sink, work surface, and formalin-vapor extraction.
What is the difference between downdraft and backdraft grossing?
Downdraft pulls fumes down through the work surface; backdraft extracts from a rear plenum. Downdraft suits open benches; backdraft suits wall-placed stations.
Do grossing stations help with formaldehyde compliance?
Yes. Ventilation is engineered to control formalin vapor at the source, supporting OSHA formaldehyde exposure requirements. Final compliance depends on room air handling.
What stainless steel grade are your grossing stations made from?
Stations are fabricated from heavy-gauge 304 stainless steel as standard, with 316 available for higher chemical and corrosion resistance.
Can a grossing station integrate imaging or dictation?
Yes. Stations can be configured with task lighting, magnification, and dictation or imaging integration depending on the build.
How do I get pricing for a grossing station?
Pricing is quote-based. Submit a request and our team returns a configured quote, typically within 24 hours.
Related: dissection tables · autopsy & dissection sinks · pathology & autopsy equipment
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