What is a Mayo Stand?
Mayo stands are portable instrument stands with a tray on top used to hold surgical instruments and materials during operating room and in-office procedures. There are many different types, sizes, and materials that mayo stands are made of. Each one has its unique benefit and is useful in a certain area of the medical facility.
Mayo stands have been a staple of surgical facilities, medical offices, and dental clinics for many decades. Mayo stands are named after two brothers and physicians, Dr. William J. Mayo and Dr. Charles H. Mayo. Dr. William J. Mayo and Dr. Charles H. Mayo co-founded the world-renowned Mayo Clinic.
Benefits of the Mayo Stands
1. Organization: Mayo stands are designed to hold surgical instruments, sterile supplies, or other items needed during a procedure. They help surgeons and surgical assistants keep instruments and supplies neatly
organized and within easy reach.
2. Sterility: These stands are typically made from stainless steel or other materials that can be easily sterilized. This is crucial in the OR, where maintaining a sterile field is of utmost importance to prevent surgical site infections.
3. Efficiency: Mayo stands improve the efficiency of surgical procedures by allowing surgeons to access the necessary instruments and supplies without having to rely on a nurse or assistant to hand them the tools. This can save time and reduce the risk of contamination.
4. Customization: The trays are designed with multiple adjustable features, such as height and tilt adjustments, to accommodate the preferences and needs of surgeons, enhancing their comfort and efficiency during procedures.
5. Convenience: Mayo stands are equipped with wheels or casters, making them easy to move and position as required during surgery. This mobility ensures that the instruments and supplies can be brought closer to the surgical site.
6. Space-saving: In an OR, space is at a premium, and Mayo stands are designed to be compact yet provide ample space for instruments and supplies, helping maximize the available workspace.
7. Durability: These stands are typically made to withstand the rigors of the surgical environment, including frequent sterilization and cleaning. This durability ensures they can be used over an extended period.
8. Hygiene: The design of Mayo stands allows for easy cleaning and sterilization, reducing the risk of contamination and ensuring a hygienic surgical environment.
Mayo stands are a fundamental part of surgical equipment and contribute to the overall efficiency, organization, and hygiene of the operating room. They play a critical role in ensuring that surgeries are performed safely and effectively.
How to choose the right mayo stand?
1. Material
Chrome-plated steel – For a doctor's office or clinical setting, a chrome mayo stand will be adequate.
Stainless Steel – Due to the harsh environmental demands and the rigorous cleaning procedures in operating rooms, stainless steel is required.
2. Tray Size
There are a wide variety of sizes available in mayo stands. There are 3 common sizes of trays that fit most needs in medical facilities.
12 5/8” x 19 1/8” – a small tray for light procedures where 3-5 tools are needed. It's ideal for tight spaces and is available with foot control, thumb control, or knob control. This size is a good match for doctor's offices.
16” x 21” – a medium size tray and also our most popular. It's versatile and works well for most procedures that require 5-10 instruments near the surgical area. You can find it in knob control, hand control, and foot control models.
20”x 25” – a large mayo stands great for those in-depth procedures that require a large number of instruments to be prepped near the surgical site. A great fit for ortho cases. Available in foot control model only.
3. Base Style
Mobile base– Five casters on the base provide sturdy footing and additional mobility and convenience for the Mayo Instrument stand.
Roll and stay base - The most common mayo stand base style. Rolls on two casters and sits down on legs that are flat on the floor. Slides under the base of most OR tables. Can also be called a sled base.
T-base–The large mayo stand has a T-base with locking casters to support the large top size. Does not fit under most OR table bases.
U- base - Rolls on 4 casters at all times. Feet does not fit under the base of most OR Tables but a great added feature depending on your preference.
4. The control of the height adjustment
Knob control – height is adjusted with a friction thumb knob mostly before the procedure. The knob is under the sterile drape when the stand is draped.
Hand control – Adjusts in height with a hand control (gas spring). The gas spring is under a sterile drape so a little difficult to adjust during the procedure.
Foot control – easily adjusts at any time with a foot pedal. The sterile nurse can use the foot pedal and steady with hands on the tray.
This buying guide is simply a guide to help choose the correct mayo stand for your facility. For more help in choosing the correct stand. Contact Medik Medical to have one of our trained staff identify what is best for your facility.
