How to Drape a Mayo Stand Like a Pro

One of the first sterile skills you’ll learn — and use almost every day — is how to drape a mayo stand.

It’s one of the three main sterile surfaces you’ll rely on in surgery, along with your back table and ring stand. But the mayo? That’s your ride-or-die. It’s where all your immediate-use instruments and go-to supplies live. As the case evolves, so will your mayo stand setup — short instruments become long ones, and the surface stays dynamic and central to the case.

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you master the process:

Step 1: Lay your mayo stand cover flat on your back table.

Step 2: Slide your hands into the cuff at the front of the cover.

Step 3: Cup your hands inside the cover and grip the sides to allow a smoother glide.

Step 4: Slide the cover onto the mayo stand and grip the frame for full control.

Step 5: Place your foot on the stand’s base to keep it from sliding away.

Step 6: Push the cover fully over the stand, touching only the cover. If you accidentally touch the metal stand, stop immediately, step away from the field, and change your gloves.

Remember: Sterility isn’t a suggestion. It’s a skill — and a mindset.

This step might feel clumsy at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature. And once it clicks? That mayo stand becomes one of the most powerful tools in your OR setup.