Creating an inexpensive yet effective downdraft table for a gross anatomy laboratory: Proof-of-concept

The expense of creating exhaust ventilation in a gross anatomy laboratory can be an impediment to gross anatomical education, especially in locations with little availability of funds (e.g., developing countries). Thus, the need for inexpensive yet effective exhaust ventilation is important for gross anatomical education. This study details the creation of a downdraft ventilation table that cost less than 200 USD to build, was built with commonly available materials (i.e., lumber, tarps, rebar, corrugated steel, staples, and screws), was built by one person with little difficulty in a matter of hours, was relatively light weight (75.2kg fully-assembled), and was easy to transport. Further, the table was structurally sound and handled a load of at least 331kg without damage. The table was affixed to a simple local exhaust ventilation system that cost ∼300 USD and generated an exhaust flow of 3099m³/h from the table. The table was capable of removing all airborne formaldehyde (0.00ppm) despite a pool of 100% formalin placed 20.3cm above the table. Furthermore, the height of the table could easily be adapted for handicapped accessibility and for individuals who are shorter or taller than average. The downdraft system also has applications beyond the gross anatomy laboratory (e.g., exhaust ventilation for embalming, manufacturing, and clinical/surgical aerosol-generating procedures). This report represents a proof-of-concept: a downdraft table that costs less than 200 USD can be built easily and paired effectively with an inexpensive local exhaust ventilation system at a total expense of approximately 500 USD. This report marks an improvement in gross anatomy laboratory safety and accessibility.