instrumententafels

Instrumententafels are specialized medical surfaces used to hold, organize, and transport surgical instruments during procedures and within the sterile field. In operating rooms, they function as back tables or companion surfaces alongside the patient table, supporting instrument trays, drapes, and consumables. They are typically used together with mobile stands to keep instruments within easy reach of the surgical team.

Most instrumententafels are made of stainless steel, commonly grade 304 or 316, with smooth, seamless surfaces designed for thorough cleaning and repeated sterilization. They often feature height adjustment, locking caster wheels for mobility, and raised or rounded edges to prevent instruments from rolling off. Some models include removable trays, top rails, perforated trays, splash guards, or other accessories. Size and configuration vary to fit different surgical specialties and room layouts.

During procedures, sterile teams arrange instruments on the back table in a logical sequence, and after use, items are returned to appropriate sterile surfaces or transferred to other containment surfaces before sterilization. The tables themselves are cleaned and disinfected as part of operating room turnover, and may be covered with sterile drapes to maintain sterility during procedures. They are designed to support sterile technique and mitigate contamination risks.

Variants include smaller Mayo stands and larger back tables, as well as dental or veterinary instrument tables for clinics with different needs. In modern healthcare, instrumententafels are subject to routine maintenance and must comply with infection control standards and local regulations governing medical equipment.