A Mayo stand is a common piece of medical equipment found in hospitals and clinics. It’s a small table or tray on wheels that is used by doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to hold medical instruments and supplies during procedures and examinations. But where does the name “Mayo stand” come from and why is this movable table called that?
History of the Mayo stand
The Mayo stand is named after the Mayo Clinic, the renowned hospital based in Rochester, Minnesota. The Mayo Clinic was founded in 1889 by Dr. William Worrall Mayo and his two sons, Dr. William James Mayo and Dr. Charles Horace Mayo.
In the early 20th century, the Mayo brothers transformed their private practice into a major medical center and hospital. They pioneered the model of integrated group practice, where multiple specialists worked together to provide coordinated care for patients. This multispecialty approach was groundbreaking at the time.
The Mayo Clinic was one of the first hospitals to develop movable instrument tables that could be adjusted to each doctor’s height and positioned where needed. This allowed for more efficient surgeries and examinations. According to some accounts, these adjustable, wheeled tables became known as “Mayo stands” because they were widely used at the Mayo Clinic.
So in short, the Mayo stand takes its name from the medical institution that helped popularize this piece of medical equipment. The term became commonplace in the medical field as these mobile tables spread to other hospitals and clinics.
Design and function of the Mayo stand
The classic Mayo stand has a basic, practical design that has remained largely unchanged over the decades. It consists of a flat tray or tabletop mounted on a sturdy base with wheels or casters. This allows the Mayo stand to be easily maneuvered around a room and positioned where needed.
The tabletop usually measures around 18 by 24 inches. It may have a lip, rails, or other retaining elements around the edges to prevent instruments and supplies from sliding off. Mayo stands come in a range of materials like stainless steel, aluminum, and polymers. Stainless steel is most common because it can withstand frequent cleaning and disinfecting.
Here are some key features and functions of typical Mayo stands:
- Adjustable height: The tabletop height can be adjusted from around 28 – 48 inches tall. This allows doctors and nurses of different heights to use the Mayo stand comfortably.
- Tilting tabletop: Many Mayo stands allow the tabletop to be tilted from horizontal to vertical. This allows the contents to be viewed from different angles.
- Shelves and trays: Some models have wire shelves or removable trays to hold additional items.
- Articulating arms: Articulating arms can attach to the sides of the stand to hold retractors, lamps, monitors, and other equipment.
- Wheeled base: Four lockable casters give the Mayo stand mobility to move freely around the room.
- Durable materials: The base and tabletop are made of materials that can withstand repeated cleaning with disinfectants and sterilization between uses.
During procedures and examinations, the Mayo stand serves as a mobile workspace close at hand for the medical team. It provides easy access to necessary medical instruments and supplies.
Doctors and nurses may arrange trays of surgical instruments, bowls, gauze, antiseptics, syringes, medications, and other items on the tabletop. The ability to adjust the height and tilt makes the contents easy to see and reach. The Mayo stand can be quickly moved and positioned where needed around the patient.
Use in healthcare settings
Mayo stands are ubiquitous in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare environments:
- Operating rooms – Doctors and nurses use Mayo stands to hold surgical instruments and materials when performing operations. Several Mayo stands may be positioned around the operating table.
- Examination rooms – During physical exams and routine office visits, physicians use Mayo stands to hold supplies like tongue depressors, bandages, and specula.
- Emergency rooms – ER doctors and nurses rely on Mayo stands when treating urgent injuries and illnesses. They allow lifesaving equipment and supplies to be kept near patients.
- Dental offices – Dentists and hygienists use Mayo stands to hold dental tools, gauze, suction hoses, and other items during dental procedures.
- Veterinary clinics – Veterinarians find Mayo stands helpful for arranging medical instruments and supplies when examining and treating animal patients.
In all settings, the mobility, adjustability, and ease of cleaning of these stands make them a versatile and convenient tool for medical professionals. They enable efficient access to supplies, saving precious seconds that can matter during time-sensitive situations.
Advantages of Mayo stands
There are several key advantages that explain why Mayo stands have endured as a vital medical apparatus for over 100 years:
- Compact and mobile – The small footprint and wheeled base allow Mayo stands to be easily moved around tight spaces in busy healthcare environments.
- Adjustable height – The tabletop can be raised or lowered to provide ergonomic comfort for users of different heights.
- Tilting tabletop – Angling the tray makes it easier to see the contents from above and reach items in the back.
- Flexible positioning – Mayo stands can be quickly repositioned around patients as needed during procedures.
- Organized access – Tools and supplies are neatly organized and close at hand instead of spread haphazardly around the workspace.
- Durable and stable – Quality Mayo stands provide a sturdy surface that can bear considerable weight without tipping.
- Easy to clean and disinfect – Smooth, non-porous materials allow thorough cleaning between uses to prevent contamination.
These beneficial characteristics make Mayo stands a convenient apparatus suited for the demanding needs of busy healthcare settings. They remain a ubiquitous and useful tool after more than a century.
Modern variants and accessories
While the classic Mayo stand design has remained largely consistent, modern variants offer expanded functionality through additional features and accessories:
Powered stands – Some current Mayo stands have electric height adjustment mechanisms. This allows the height to be dialed in precisely with the press of a button or foot pedal.
Storage units – Lower storage cabinets, baskets, and shelves can be incorporated to hold extra items and supplies.
Customization – Tabletops can be customized with accessories like sharps containers, instrument holders, towel bars, and glove dispensers as desired.
Linen hampers – Removable linen hampers can attach to the stand to conveniently collect used drapes, gowns, and materials.
IV poles – Telescoping IV poles can be installed on Mayo stands to suspend fluids and medications close to the patient.
Monitor mounts – Articulating monitor arms allow computer screens and displays to be attached and positioned in view.
While core traits like adjustability and mobility remain unchanged, these accessories and upgrades allow Mayo stands to better serve modern clinical needs.
Conclusion
The Mayo stand has become an indispensable apparatus in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities. This versatile table on wheels places critical instruments and supplies within easy reach during procedures and examinations. It takes its name from the Mayo Clinic, which pioneered adjustable, movable tables to improve surgical workflows.
Key benefits like mobility, ergonomic height adjustment, and tilting tabletops make Mayo stands a convenient and efficient tool for healthcare staff. Though the basic design is uncomplicated, modern variants incorporate helpful upgrades like powered height control and accessories to further augment their utility. Over a century since their development, Mayo stands remain a ubiquitous and vital aid to medical practice.