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A Mayo stand is a small movable stand with a tray used to hold sterile instruments and supplies during a surgical procedure. It is commonly positioned close to the surgical field after being covered with a sterile drape. The stand helps the surgical team keep frequently used tools within reach. Only sterile items should be placed on the sterile draped tray.
read more about mayo stand ...Before surgery, the Mayo stand is positioned, draped, and set up with selected sterile instruments. The instruments are arranged so the scrubbed team member can pass them safely and quickly. Items used early in the procedure can be placed where they are easy to access. The setup can change based on the surgery, surgeon preference, and facility policy.
A Mayo stand can hold instruments, sponges, sutures, clamps, scissors, forceps, cautery accessories, and other supplies needed during the procedure. It is not meant to hold every item in the room. Less frequently used supplies are often kept on the back table. Sharps should be placed in a way that reduces hand injuries and supports safe passing.
A draped Mayo stand is part of the sterile field. Staff should avoid touching the sterile surface with nonsterile hands, clothing, equipment, or supplies. If sterility is in doubt, the item or field should be treated as contaminated based on facility policy. The stand should not be left exposed or unattended longer than allowed by sterile technique rules.
After use, the stand should be cleaned and checked before it returns to service. Wheels, height adjustment parts, tray surfaces, and supports should be inspected for damage or instability. A loose tray, stuck wheel, or unstable base can disrupt the sterile field or create a safety risk. Facility procedures guide cleaning, storage, and maintenance.
The name is linked to the Mayo surgical tradition and operating room instrument setup. Today, the term refers to the movable sterile instrument stand used near the surgical field.
The stand itself is not sterile until it is properly covered with a sterile drape. Once draped and set up correctly, the top sterile field should be protected from contamination.
A Mayo stand sits closer to the surgical field and holds frequently used instruments. A back table holds extra instruments, supplies, and items that are not needed as immediately.
Yes, but it must be moved carefully to protect the sterile field and avoid pulling cords or tubing. Only trained staff should reposition it during a procedure.
Sterile Technique. StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459175/. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.
AST Guidelines for Best Practices for Establishing the Sterile Field in the Operating Room. Association of Surgical Technologists. https://www.ast.org/uploadedFiles/Main_Site/Content/About_Us/Guidelines%20Establishing%20the%20Sterile%20Field.pdf. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.
AST Guidelines for Best Practices for Maintaining the Sterility of the Underside of the Mayo Stand. Association of Surgical Technologists. https://www.ast.org/uploadedFiles/Main_Site/Content/About_Us/Standard_Sterility_Underside_Mayo_Stand.pdf. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.
A Standardized and Safe Method of Sterile Field Maintenance During Intra-Operative Horizontal Plane Fluoroscopy. Patient Safety in Surgery. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/1754-9493-4-20. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.
Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/infection-control/hcp/environmental-control/index.html. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.