What Instruments Go on the Mayo Stand?

Routine Examinations

Many of the instruments that require light are attached to a wall. When the instruments are not wall-mounted, some or all of may be placed on the Mayo stand for a routine exam: an ophthalmoscope for the eyes, an otoscope for the ears, a nasal speculum for the nose, a tongue depressor, a tuning fork to test hearing and a reflex hammer. For a female pelvic exam, a vaginal speculum, lubricant, exam gloves and the slide or jar for a Pap test specimen may be placed on the stand.

Mayo stands are often used for minor procedures. The stand would be covered with a clean or sterile towel. If you're having stitches, the following items may be on the Mayo stand: antiseptic wipes or swabs, sterile gloves, suture material (thread and needle), tweezer forceps and bandages. If you are having stitches removed, the stand might contain gloves, antiseptic wipes or swabs, gauze squares, tweezer forceps, small scissors, anti-bacterial ointment and bandages. Another clinic or physician might prefer to start with a pre-packaged kit and gloves and add other items as needed.

In the operating room, the stand has a special sterile cover that slips over it and extends to or near the floor. It is often placed near the patient, and the instruments that will be used often during the procedure likely would be placed on the stand between uses. A scalpel, tweezer forceps, scissors and retractors are commonly put on the Mayo stand, as would be sterile saline for irrigating the surgical site. Other items may be moved to the stand as the operation progresses.

The Mayo Clinic explains that this versatile stand was developed there in the early 20th century. The purpose was to have instruments handy and, at the same time, easily portable to allow visiting surgeons a better view. Mayo stands also can hold nonmedical instruments and supplies and may be useful around the home or in a workshop. An inexpensive one costs about $80.