A–Z Guide to Medical Seating, Patient Positioning, Clinical Applications and Treatment-Chair Technology

This glossary explains terminology commonly used in connection with medical treatment chairs, dialysis chairs, infusion and oncology chairs, blood and plasma collection chairs, neurological treatment seating and related clinical equipment.

The definitions are intended for healthcare professionals, purchasing departments, distributors, architects, planners and anyone comparing medical seating solutions.

Where appropriate, the glossary also explains why a particular term matters when selecting or configuring a treatment chair.

A

Accessory

An accessory is an additional component intended to be used together with a medical chair.

Examples may include:

• IV poles

• patient tables

• tablet holders

• push handles

• protective covers

• side rails

• special arm supports

An accessory is different from a standard feature because it may be added only when required.

Compatibility should always be confirmed for the specific chair model.

Actuator

An actuator is a device that creates mechanical movement.

In an electric treatment chair, actuators are commonly used to move:

• the backrest

• seat tilt

• legrest

• seat height

• complete seating system

Electric actuators allow controlled patient positioning without requiring staff to move chair sections manually.

Actuator Duty Cycle

The duty cycle of an actuator describes how long it can operate within a given period before it requires a rest period.

Electric medical-chair actuators are designed for intermittent positioning rather than continuous uninterrupted movement.

The manufacturer’s operating instructions should therefore be followed to avoid overheating or premature wear.

Adjustable Armrest

An adjustable armrest can be repositioned to match the patient’s anatomy and clinical procedure.

Adjustments may include:

• height

• angle

• rotation

• forward/backward movement

In dialysis, infusion, blood donation and plasma applications, adjustable armrests can be especially important because they support both patient comfort and vascular access.

Anti-Static Castor

An anti-static castor is designed to help reduce the accumulation of electrostatic charge.

Such castors may be useful in environments containing sensitive electronic or diagnostic equipment.

Whether they are required depends on the clinical environment and equipment configuration.

Anti-Trendelenburg

See Reverse Trendelenburg.

API

API stands for Application Programming Interface.

An API allows one software system to communicate with another according to predefined rules.

In connected medical equipment, an API can potentially enable exchange of information such as:

• device status

• weighing information

• operating data

• system events

Available functionality depends on the specific software implementation.

Applied Part

In medical electrical equipment terminology, an applied part is a part of the medical device intended to come into physical contact with the patient in order for the equipment to perform its intended function.

The classification of applied parts is relevant to electrical-safety requirements.

Apheresis

Apheresis is a procedure in which blood is removed from a patient or donor and separated into components.

One or more components are collected, removed or treated, while the remaining blood components may be returned.

Examples include:

• plasmapheresis

• platelet collection

• plasma donation

Treatment-chair design for apheresis commonly emphasizes vascular-access positioning, comfort and emergency positioning.

Armrest

An armrest supports the patient’s arm.

In a medical treatment chair it may also perform an important clinical role by stabilizing the arm during:

• dialysis

• infusion

• blood collection

• plasma collection

• plasmapheresis

Medical armrests can therefore require considerably more adjustment than conventional furniture armrests.

Armrest Distance

Armrest distance refers to the space between the left and right arm supports.

Where this distance is adjustable, the chair can accommodate patients with different body widths more comfortably.

Armrest Height Adjustment

This adjustment moves the arm support vertically.

It helps align the support with the patient’s shoulder and arm position.

Armrest Longitudinal Adjustment

A longitudinal armrest adjustment moves the armrest forward or backward.

This can help accommodate different arm lengths and vascular-access locations.

Armrest Rotation

Armrest rotation allows the arm support to turn around its mounting point.

This allows the distance between the armrests to be optimally adjusted to the patient’s body type, enabling the arms to be positioned more precisely.

Armrest Tilt

Armrest tilt changes the angle of the arm support surface.

This can help maintain a comfortable and clinically useful arm position during treatment.

Folding the armrest all the way up ensures comfortable entry from the side as well.

B

 Backrest

The backrest is the section of the chair supporting the patient’s torso and back.

In an electric therapy chair, the backrest can typically be adjusted from a vertical position to a reclined position, all the way down to the Trendelenburg position, which is slightly below horizontal.

Backrest Adjustment

Backrest adjustment changes the angle of the patient’s upper body.

This is one of the most important features of therapeutic chairs used for long-term care, because in addition to providing comfortable positions, adjustability also plays a crucial role in emergency situations (such as the Trendelenburg position or CPR).

Battery Operation

Battery operation allows electrical chair movements without the chair being continuously connected to mains power.

This may be useful when:

• chairs are moved regularly

• power cables would obstruct workflow

• temporary operation away from a wall outlet is required

Battery operation should not automatically be confused with patient-transport suitability.

Battery Backup

A battery backup supplies temporary power if mains electricity is unavailable.

A battery primarily helps ensure operational safety in the event of a power outage, but it can also serve other functional purposes.3

Bed Position

A bed position describes a chair position in which the patient-support surface becomes substantially horizontal.

It describes a positioning capability and does not necessarily mean that the treatment chair is technically or legally classified as a hospital bed.

Biocompatibility

Biocompatibility describes whether materials used in a medical device are suitable for their intended contact with the human body.

For treatment chairs, patient-contact materials may need to be evaluated according to their intended type and duration of contact.

Blood Donation Chair

A blood donation chair is designed or configured to support donors during blood collection.

Important considerations commonly include:

• stable arm positioning

• easy entry and exit

• reclining capability

• emergency positioning

• easy cleaning

• high patient turnover

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless communication technology.

In connected equipment it may be used for communication between nearby compatible devices.

C

 Castor

A castor is a wheel assembly that rotates around a vertical axis, allowing the chair to change direction.

Medical castors are designed for institutional use and may include:

• brakes

• directional locks

• anti-static properties

CE Marking

CE marking indicates that a product subject to applicable European legislation has completed the relevant conformity process and that the manufacturer declares that it meets the applicable requirements.

For medical devices, CE marking is associated with the European medical-device regulatory framework. (MDR)

Central Brake

A central brake allows several castors to be secured or released through one coordinated control.

This can be faster and more convenient than operating each castor individually.

Chair Configuration

The chair configuration is the complete combination of:

• model

• functional options

• upholstery

• accessories

• mobility features

• electrical features

Two chairs based on the same product family can therefore have significantly different clinical capabilities.

Chair Height Adjustment

See Height Adjustment.

Chair Tilt (Seat tilt)

The angle of the chair’s seat changes the angle of the entire patient support structure relative to the floor.

This differs from adjusting only the backrest or legrest.

Chemotherapy Chair

A chemotherapy chair is a medical treatment chair configured for patients receiving oncology treatments, frequently intravenous therapy.

Typical priorities include:

• long-duration comfort

• IV access

• adjustable positioning

• patient independence

• ease of cleaning

Clinical Application

A clinical application describes the treatment or healthcare environment in which the chair is intended to be used.

Examples include:

• dialysis

• infusion

• oncology

• plasma collection

• blood donation

• TMS

• EEG

Clinical Workflow

A clinical workflow is the sequence of activities involved in treating a patient.

For example:

patient entry → positioning → vascular access → treatment → monitoring → repositioning → treatment completion → exit → cleaning

Chair selection should support the complete workflow rather than only one stage.

Coil Holder

A coil holder supports and positions the magnetic stimulation coil used during TMS.

It can improve consistency and reduce the need for clinicians to hold the coil manually.

Comfort Position

A comfort position is a chair configuration intended primarily to support relaxed long-duration sitting or reclining.

It may differ from positions required for clinical procedures or emergencies.

Continuous Weight Measurement

Continuous weight measurement refers to monitoring the patient’s weight while they remain in the treatment chair.

This can be particularly useful in dialysis applications.

Corrective Maintenance

Corrective maintenance is repair or maintenance performed after a fault or failure occurs.

CPR

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

In chair terminology, CPR usually refers to functions intended to help healthcare staff rapidly place the patient into an appropriate position for emergency procedures.

CPR Quick Release

A CPR quick release is a mechanism that allows the backrest or another part of the chair to move rapidly toward a horizontal position without waiting for normal powered movement.

It is an emergency positioning feature.

D

 Day Surgery

See One-Day Surgery.

Dialysis

Dialysis is a treatment used to perform some of the functions normally carried out by the kidneys.

Patients may remain in the treatment chair for several hours, making comfort, positioning, vascular access and emergency functionality important.

Dialysis Chair

A dialysis chair is a medical treatment chair configured for hemodialysis and related renal-care procedures.

Typical requirements can include:

• long-duration comfort

• highly adjustable armrests

• emergency positioning

• easy cleaning

• electrical adjustment

• optional integrated weighing

Directional Lock

A directional lock prevents a wheel from freely swivelling and helps the chair move in a straight direction.

It can improve steering during patient transport.

Disinfection

Disinfection is the process of reducing microorganisms on surfaces using an appropriate disinfecting agent or process.

The chair manufacturer’s cleaning and material-compatibility instructions should always be followed.

Disinfectant Compatibility

Disinfectant compatibility describes whether the chair’s materials can tolerate specified cleaning or disinfecting agents without unacceptable damage.

Downtime

Downtime is the period during which a treatment chair cannot be used.

Downtime can affect treatment capacity even when the cost of the actual repair is relatively small.

DuoShape

DuoShape is Digiterm’s interchangeable upholstery concept, one of the key features of which is that the seat segment and legrest section connect seamlessly. This prevents the formation of gaps where dirt can accumulate, resulting in faster cleaning.

The upholstery sections can be replaced independently from the main chair structure, supporting:

• maintenance

• refurbishment

• hygiene

• long product life

• lifecycle cost control

Duty Cycle

See Actuator Duty Cycle.

E

 Eco Configuration

Within Digiterm product naming, Eco identifies configurations focused on providing the essential functions required for the corresponding application while maintaining a straightforward specification.

The exact features vary by product family.

EEG

EEG stands for electroencephalography.

EEG records electrical activity of the brain using electrodes positioned on the scalp.

A suitable chair helps keep the patient stable and comfortable while maintaining access around the head.

Electric Actuator

See Actuator.

Electric Medical Chair

An electric medical chair uses powered actuators to adjust patient position.

Different models may have different numbers and types of electrically controlled movements.

Electromagnetic Compatibility

See EMC.

EMC

EMC stands for electromagnetic compatibility.

It refers to the ability of electrical equipment to operate appropriately in its electromagnetic environment without creating unacceptable interference for other equipment.

Emergency Control

An emergency control gives clinical personnel rapid access to an important emergency chair movement.

Depending on configuration, this can include movement toward Trendelenburg or another predefined emergency position.

Emergency Position

An emergency position is a chair position intended to assist clinical staff during an urgent situation.

The appropriate position depends on the treatment, patient and clinical protocol.

Entry Height

Entry height is the seat height used when the patient enters or leaves the chair.

Lower entry height may help elderly, shorter or mobility-impaired patients.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the design of equipment around human physical and cognitive capabilities.

For treatment chairs, ergonomics applies to both:

• patients

• healthcare personnel

Ethernet

Ethernet is a wired computer-networking technology.

Connected medical equipment may use Ethernet where stable wired network communication is required.

Expected Service Life

The expected service life is the period during which the manufacturer expects the device to remain suitable for its intended use when correctly maintained and operated.

It should not be confused with the warranty period.

F

 Fifth Wheel

A fifth wheel is an additional central wheel beneath the chair that helps improve directional control while moving the chair.

It can significantly reduce steering effort, particularly with an occupied chair.

Flex Configuration

Within Digiterm product naming, Flex identifies configurations offering increased flexibility or additional functionality within the corresponding product family.

The exact specification depends on the model.

Fold-Down Armrest

A fold-down armrest (or Tilt-up armrest) can be moved away from the normal treatment position.

This can improve:

• patient entry

• side transfer

• clinician access

Foot Control

A foot control allows selected chair movements to be activated without using the hands. (for example, Trendelenburg foot switch on the chair’s frame)

It can be valuable during procedures where staff need to keep their hands free.

Footrest

The footrest supports the patient’s feet, which helps the patient assume comfortable positions when they wish to change their body position.

It should be distinguished from the legrest, which supports the lower legs.

H

 Hand Control

A hand control (or Handset) is the handheld unit used to operate electrically powered chair functions.

It should be intuitive, accessible and suitable for frequent cleaning.

Headrest

A headrest supports the patient’s head.

Its function may range from basic comfort to highly precise head positioning for neurological procedures.

Height Adjustment

Height adjustment raises or lowers the complete patient-support system.

It can help reconcile two different needs:

• low patient entry

• higher staff working position

Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis uses an external dialysis system to remove waste products and excess fluid from the patient’s blood.

Treatments are often long, which places significant demands on patient positioning and comfort.

Hinged Armrest

See Fold-Down Armrest.

Horizontal Position

A horizontal position places the patient approximately level.

It differs from Trendelenburg, where the patient’s head is positioned lower than the feet.

I

 iControl

iControl is Digiterm terminology for advanced electronic chair-control functionality available in selected configurations.

Depending on the system, it may support:

• chair positioning

• status information

• connected functions

• weighing-system interaction

• external system communication

IEC 60601-1

IEC 60601-1 is an international standard addressing basic safety and essential performance of medical electrical equipment.

IEC 60601-1-2

IEC 60601-1-2 addresses electromagnetic compatibility requirements for medical electrical equipment.

Independent Adjustment

Independent adjustment means that different chair sections can be moved separately.

For example, the backrest and legrest can be adjusted individually rather than always moving together.

Indoor Transport

Indoor transport means moving an occupied chair within a healthcare facility.

A chair intended for this purpose requires appropriate:

• castors

• braking

• steering

• handles

• patient support

Wheels alone do not make a treatment chair suitable for patient transport.

Infection Control

Infection control describes the procedures and systems used to reduce the risk of infection within healthcare environments.

Treatment-chair design can support infection control through appropriate materials and cleanable construction.

Infusion Chair

An infusion chair is a medical chair designed or configured for patients receiving intravenous treatment.

Typical considerations include:

• comfortable reclining

• arm support

• IV equipment

• patient access

• treatment duration

Infusion Therapy

Infusion therapy involves administering medication, fluids or other substances through a controlled delivery system, often intravenously.

Integrated Scale

An integrated scale is a weighing system built into the treatment chair.

It allows patient weight to be measured without transferring the patient to a separate weighing device.

Integrated Terminal

An integrated terminal is an electronic interface incorporated into the chair or treatment station.

It may provide access to control, measurement, status, or connectivity functions, and may also provide infotainment services.

Intended Use

The intended use describes the purpose for which the manufacturer has designed and specified the medical device.

Medical equipment should be used in accordance with its intended use.

IoT

IoT stands for Internet of Things.

It refers to physical devices capable of exchanging information through digital networks.

Connected treatment chairs can potentially participate in wider clinical, maintenance or asset-management systems.

 IV

IV means intravenous.

It describes access directly into a vein.

 IV Pole

An IV pole supports infusion bags or related treatment equipment.

A chair-mounted IV pole can allow the IV equipment to move together with the patient and chair.

L

 Legrest

The legrest is the chair section that supports the patient’s lower legs.

It can normally be adjusted to support different sitting and reclining positions.

Legrest Adjustment

Legrest adjustment changes the position or angle of the lower-leg support.

Depending on the model, this may be a longer version with a footrest or a shorter version that can be adjusted to a completely vertical position when seated.

Lifecycle

The lifecycle of a chair includes:

• design

• procurement

• installation

• operation

• cleaning

• maintenance

• refurbishment

• eventual replacement

Long-Duration Treatment

A long-duration treatment is a procedure during which the patient remains seated or reclined for an extended period.

Examples include:

• dialysis

• chemotherapy

• infusion therapy

• apheresis

Such treatments place greater emphasis on seating comfort and repositioning.

Longitudinal Adjustment

See Armrest Longitudinal Adjustment.

M

 Manoeuvrability

Manoeuvrability describes how easily a chair can be moved, turned and positioned in a clinical environment.

It depends on:

• chair geometry

• castor arrangement

• fifth-wheel design

• weight distribution

Maximum Patient Weight

The maximum patient weight is the highest patient body weight specified by the manufacturer for use with the chair.

It should not automatically be assumed to be identical to Safe Working Load.

MDR

MDR refers to the European Union Medical Device Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2017/745.

It establishes requirements applying to medical devices within the European regulatory framework.

Medical Device

A medical device is a product intended by its manufacturer for a medical purpose as defined by the applicable regulatory framework.

Medical Upholstery

Medical upholstery is the patient-contact upholstery used in healthcare furniture and medical seating.

Important characteristics can include:

• durability

• cleanability

• disinfectant compatibility

• fluid resistance

• patient comfort

Memory Position

A memory position is a stored combination of chair settings that can later be recalled.

Where available, this can simplify repeated positioning.

Micro-Repositioning

Micro-repositioning means making small changes to the patient’s posture during treatment.

This can improve the effectiveness and reproducibility of certain treatments

Mobility

Mobility describes the ability of a chair to be moved.

Mobility should be distinguished from formal suitability for patient transport.

Modular Design

Modular design means that major components or functional systems are designed as separate modules.

This can support:

• service

• repair

• configuration

• refurbishment

Motorized Footrest

A motorized footrest uses an electric actuator or related powered mechanism to change foot-support position.

It allows adjustment without requiring manual repositioning.

Multi-Segment Seating

Multi-segment seating uses several movable patient-support sections rather than a simple seat-and-backrest arrangement.

This can provide more precise body positioning.

N

 Nurse Control

A nurse control is a chair-control interface intended primarily for healthcare personnel.

It may provide access to functions that are not available to the patient.

O

 Oncology Chair

See Chemotherapy Chair.

One-Day Surgery

One-day surgery, also known as day surgery or ambulatory surgery, describes procedures in which the patient normally enters and leaves the healthcare facility on the same day.

Medical chairs used in such environments may support:

• preparation

• treatment

• recovery

• indoor movement

Option

An option is a selectable product feature or alternative configuration that is not necessarily included in the standard chair.

P

 Patient Control

A patient control allows the patient to operate selected chair functions.

This can increase independence during long treatments.

Patient Dignity

Patient dignity refers to maintaining respect, privacy, autonomy and appropriate comfort during care.

Treatment-chair design can contribute through:

• comfortable positioning

• easy access

• individual control

• non-institutional appearance

Patient Independence

Patient independence describes the extent to which a patient can manage routine elements of their treatment environment without staff assistance.

Patient Positioning

Patient positioning is the process of placing and supporting the patient’s body in an appropriate orientation for:

• comfort

• treatment

• examination

• emergency response

Patient Transport

Patient transport means moving a patient while they remain in the chair.

This is different from moving an empty chair.

Patient Turnover

Patient turnover describes the process of completing one patient’s session and preparing the treatment station for the next.

Pinch Point

A pinch point is a location where moving mechanical components could trap fingers, clothing or other objects.

Medical-device design aims to reduce or control these hazards.

Plasma Collection

Plasma collection involves separating and collecting plasma from donor blood while returning other blood components.

Suitable chairs typically provide stable vascular-access positioning and efficient patient turnover.

Plasma Donation Chair

A plasma donation chair is configured specifically for donor plasma collection.

Plasmapheresis

Plasmapheresis is an apheresis procedure involving separation of plasma from other blood components.

Plus Configuration

Within Digiterm product naming, Plus identifies selected configurations with additional or advanced functionality.

Exact features depend on the corresponding product.

Post-Market Surveillance

Post-market surveillance is the systematic process by which medical-device manufacturers collect and evaluate information about devices after they have been placed on the market.

It is part of ongoing medical-device safety management.

Predefined Position

A predefined position is a chair position that can be selected using a simplified control command rather than adjusting every section separately.

Pressure Distribution

Pressure distribution describes how the patient’s body weight is spread across the seating surface.

Good pressure distribution contributes to comfort during long-duration treatment.

Preventive Maintenance

Preventive maintenance is scheduled inspection and servicing intended to identify wear or potential problems before equipment fails.

Protective Cover

A protective cover is an additional removable layer used to protect high-wear areas of the upholstery.

Push Handle

A push handle provides staff with a defined ergonomic contact point for moving the chair.

R

 Reclining

Reclining means moving the patient’s upper body backwards from the upright sitting position.

Recliner

A recliner is a chair that allows the user to lean backwards and usually raise the legs.

A medical treatment chair may visually resemble a recliner, but it is designed for significantly different requirements including:

• clinical access

• emergency positioning

• electrical safety

• healthcare cleaning

• intensive institutional use

Refurbishment

Refurbishment means renewing an existing treatment chair by replacing or restoring appropriate components.

Examples can include:

• upholstery

• castors

• accessories

• selected wear components

Repairability

Repairability describes how easily worn or damaged parts can be replaced without discarding the complete device.

Replaceable Upholstery

Replaceable upholstery can be removed and renewed separately from the main chair structure.

This can significantly extend the useful life of a treatment chair.

Retrofit

A retrofit is the approved addition or replacement of a component after the chair has entered service.

Not every factory option can necessarily be retrofitted.

Retractable Fifth Wheel

A retractable fifth wheel can be engaged for improved directional control and retracted when multidirectional movement is preferred.

Reverse Trendelenburg

Reverse Trendelenburg, or anti-Trendelenburg, is a body orientation in which the patient’s head is higher than the feet while the body remains relatively straight.

Risk Management

Risk management is the systematic process of identifying hazards, evaluating risks and implementing measures to reduce those risks throughout a medical device’s lifecycle.

Rolling Resistance

Rolling resistance is the force required to keep a wheeled chair moving.

Lower rolling resistance can reduce physical effort for healthcare personnel.

S

 Safe Working Load

Safe Working Load, abbreviated SWL, describes the load that the chair is designed to support safely under the conditions specified by the manufacturer.

It should not automatically be interpreted as identical to maximum patient weight.

Scale Chair

A scale chair contains an integrated weighing system.

In dialysis, this can help reduce the need to transfer patients to separate scales.

Seat Height

Seat height is the distance between the floor and the chair’s seating surface.

It influences both patient entry and staff ergonomics.

Seat Tilt

Seat tilt changes the angle of the seat section itself.

It is different from tilting the complete chair into Trendelenburg.

Serviceability

Serviceability describes how easily the chair can be:

• inspected

• maintained

• repaired

• refurbished

Side Rail

A side rail provides lateral support or protection.

Depending on application, it may be foldable, removable or movable.

Spare Part

A spare part is a replacement component used to repair or maintain a product.

Long-term spare-parts availability can substantially affect the lifecycle economics of medical equipment.

Stability

Stability describes the chair’s resistance to unintended tipping or movement.

Because patient and chair positions change, stability must be maintained across the intended movement range.

Standard Feature

A standard feature is included in the basic specification of a particular chair model.

System Integration

System integration means connecting the chair’s electronic or digital functions with other devices or software.

Synchronized Movement

Synchronized movement means that several chair sections move together according to a predefined relationship.

T

 Tablet Holder

A tablet holder supports a tablet or other compatible display near the patient.

It can be used for:

• entertainment

• communication

• patient information

• selected digital workflows

Tare

Tare is a weighing function used to subtract known weights so that the relevant net patient weight can be determined.

 TCO

See Total Cost of Ownership.

Technical Specification

A technical specification defines measurable technical or functional requirements for medical equipment.

TMS

TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.

TMS uses magnetic pulses delivered through a coil positioned near the patient’s head.

Chair requirements can include:

• stable positioning

• precise head support

• access around the patient’s head

• compatibility with the coil and positioning system

Total Cost of Ownership

Total Cost of Ownership, abbreviated TCO, considers the complete cost of the chair throughout its useful life.

This may include:

• purchase

• service

• repairs

• spare parts

• upholstery replacement

• downtime

• expected service life

Treatment Capacity

Treatment capacity describes the number of patients a department can treat within a defined period.

Chair design can influence capacity through:

• turnover time

• maintenance

• room utilization

• workflow efficiency

Treatment Chair

A treatment chair is a medical seating system designed to support patients during therapy, examination or selected procedures.

Unlike ordinary seating, it is designed around clinical functionality as well as comfort.

Treatment Position

A treatment position is the chair configuration used during the main clinical procedure.

Treatment Station

A treatment station is the complete patient-care space surrounding a treatment chair.

It can include:

• chair

• medical device

• IV equipment

• table

• monitor

• storage

• electrical connections

Treatment-Space Footprint

The treatment-space footprint is the practical area required by the chair, patient, equipment and staff during use.

It is larger than the chair’s basic external dimensions.

Trendelenburg Position

The Trendelenburg position places the patient’s head lower than their feet.

In a treatment chair, this is generally achieved by tilting the complete patient-support system rather than merely raising the legs.

It is commonly provided as an emergency positioning capability in applications such as:

• dialysis

• blood donation

• plasma collection

• infusion therapy

Trendelenburg should not be described as a treatment in itself. Its use is determined by trained healthcare personnel according to clinical circumstances and local procedures.

Turning Radius

The turning radius describes the space required for a chair to change direction.

It can be important when planning:

• corridors

• elevators

• treatment rooms

• doorways

U

 UDI

UDI stands for Unique Device Identification.

It is a system used to identify medical devices in a standardized and traceable manner.

Upholstery

Upholstery is the padded patient-contact surface of the chair.

Medical upholstery must balance:

• comfort

• durability

• cleanability

• chemical resistance

Upholstery Thickness

Upholstery thickness describes the depth of the cushion system.

Thickness alone does not determine comfort; foam properties, geometry and pressure distribution are also important.

USB-A

USB-A is the traditional rectangular USB connector commonly used for device charging.

 USB-C

USB-C is a reversible modern connector used for charging and data communication.

The available charging power depends on the specific implementation rather than the connector shape alone.

Usability

Usability describes how effectively and safely intended users can interact with a product.

For a medical chair this includes:

• controls

• labels

• emergency functions

• positioning

• cleaning procedures

Usability Engineering

Usability engineering is the structured process used to identify and reduce risks associated with how people interact with medical devices.

V

 Vascular Access

Vascular access means obtaining access to a blood vessel for procedures in which fluids or blood enter or leave the circulatory system.

Examples include:

• dialysis

• infusion

• chemotherapy

• blood donation

• apheresis

Vascular Access Armrest

A vascular access armrest is designed to position and support the patient’s arm while allowing healthcare professionals suitable access to the relevant vascular-access area.

Venipuncture

Venipuncture is the procedure of entering a vein with a needle.

Stable and adjustable arm support can help maintain an appropriate arm position during the procedure.

W

 Warranty

A warranty is the manufacturer’s or supplier’s commercial commitment regarding repair or replacement under specified conditions.

Warranty period and expected service life are different concepts.

Weight Accuracy

Weight accuracy describes how closely a measured value corresponds to the true value.

Weight Resolution

Weight resolution is the smallest weight increment displayed by the weighing system.

Resolution and accuracy should not be confused.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology.

In compatible connected treatment chairs, it can support communication with networked systems.

Working Height

Working height is the vertical position at which staff perform clinical tasks around the patient.

A height-adjustable chair allows working height to differ from patient entry height.

Z

 Zeroing

Zeroing establishes the reference zero value of a weighing system before measurement.

It ensures that the chair’s own weight is not interpreted as patient weight.

Digiterm-Specific Terms

 Comfort-1

Comfort-1 is a Digiterm medical-chair product family intended for selected clinical applications where essential medical-chair functionality is required.

Available functions depend on the specific Comfort-1 configuration.

Comfort-2

Comfort-2 is a product line of Digiterm therapy chairs designed to combine medical functionality with a cost-effective and flexible configuration, without a height-adjustment feature.

Comfort-3

Comfort-3 is a Digiterm medical-chair platform available in several configurations for different treatment and transport requirements.

Depending on model, configurations can include functions intended for therapy, weighing, transport or specialized clinical applications.

Comfort-4

Comfort-4 is a Digiterm therapy-chair product family with configurations designed for long-duration therapy and advanced treatment-chair applications.

Depending on configuration, features can include height adjustment, weighing or battery-supported operation.

DiaCare-3

DiaCare-3 is a Digiterm treatment-chair platform designed for advanced medical seating applications, including long-duration therapy.

Its configuration can be adapted through chair functions, upholstery and accessories according to the intended clinical environment.

Comfort-T1

Comfort-T1 is a Digiterm treatment-support table designed to complement medical treatment-chair environments.

It can provide patients with an accessible surface for personal items or activities during treatment.

Comfort-T2

Comfort-T2 is a small table that can be integrated into a treatment chair, allowing patients to perform various activities (eating, writing, reading, etc.) during treatment.

Compatibility should be checked against the chair configuration.

Mobidock

Mobidock is a heavy-duty mobile IV stand manufactured by Digiterm that accommodates multiple IV pumps or docking units.

Its purpose is to organize supporting equipment and functions around the patient treatment station.

Scale Configuration

A Scale configuration identifies a Digiterm chair equipped with integrated patient-weighing functionality.

It is particularly relevant to dialysis environments where patient weight forms part of the treatment workflow.

Battery Configuration

A Battery configuration identifies a chair designed with battery-supported electrical operation.

This can increase flexibility where the chair needs to operate temporarily away from mains power.

Indoor Transport Configuration

An Indoor Transport configuration is designed specifically to support movement of an occupied chair within appropriate healthcare environments.

It should not be confused with a standard treatment chair that simply has castors.

TMS Option Set

A TMS Option Set is a specialized backrest configuration designed to support Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation applications.

It can include features related to:

• head positioning

• upper-body support

• TMS equipment access

• precise adjustment