Which piece of furniture is placed at the sterile field first?

The Mayo stand is placed at the sterile field first because it serves as a critical workstation for the surgical team during procedures. It is designed to hold instruments that will be used immediately or in the early stages of the surgery, allowing for quick access as the surgeon and assisting staff need to maintain the flow of the operation.

The careful placement of the Mayo stand at the beginning of setting up the sterile field ensures that the most essential tools are readily available and organized properly, which is vital for maintaining efficiency and sterility throughout the surgery. Other furniture, such as the back table or instrument table, while also important, may be set up afterward. This ordered approach helps to minimize contamination risk and streamline the surgical process.