A dip tank (immersion dissection table, cadaver soaking table, body preservation tank, anatomy preservation station) is the centerpiece of any gross anatomy program. It's where specimens live for months or years, where students learn, where preservation happens. Choosing the right one matters.

What Is a Dip Tank?

A dip tank is a 304 stainless steel immersion tank designed to hold anatomical specimens submerged in formalin or preservation solution. Modern dip tanks include electric or manual lift systems that raise the specimen tray to working height for dissection, then lower it back into solution for storage. The best dip tanks have removable grates for cleaning, integrated drainage, and perforated trays for specimen support and solution circulation.

Key Features of a High-Quality Anatomy Lab Dip Tank

Electric vs Manual Lift: Electric lift lets one person raise and lower the specimen tray; manual requires two people and is best for smaller labs. USPE's Electric Immersion Dissection Table 1035-03P ($14,199) handles continuous-use anatomy programs. Tank Construction: 304 stainless steel resists corrosion from formaldehyde and preservatives. Grate Design: removable, perforated grates support specimens and allow solution circulation and drain access. Drainage: PVC ball-valve drains with accessible bottom valves for regular flushing and waste management. Mobility: swivel-locking casters on all legs so the tank can be repositioned without moving the whole unit. Surface Finish: smooth, crevice-free design for safe specimen handling and easy sanitation.

Planning Your Dip Tank Installation

Specimen volume: How many cadavers will you preserve at once? One large tank or two smaller tanks? Specimen type: Full-body specimens take more space than heads or limbs. Preservation solution: Formalin-based solutions require OSHA formaldehyde awareness (29 CFR 1910.1048). Drainage and waste: You'll need a plan for changing solution and EPA-compliant hazardous waste disposal (see Compliance Guide). Ventilation: Some dip tanks connect to facility exhaust systems; others are self-contained. Verify your facility's ventilation design before specifying. Floor and sump: Confirm floor condition (slab, tile) and whether you have a sump or floor drain for discharge.

USPE Dip Tanks for Anatomy Labs

The 1035-03P Electric Immersion Dissection Table is USPE's flagship anatomy lab dip tank: $14,199, 304 stainless steel, electric lift, removable grate, integrated drainage, perforated tray. Backed by the Complete Pathology Lab Guide and maintenance documentation. Purchase orders accepted; W-9s and insurance certificates provided. Browse the full Immersion Dissection Tables collection for other configurations.