Stands to hold surgical instrument trays come in a variety of styles and designs based on the type of situation in which they will be used. There are some that are standard four leg types of stands that have wired guards or flat surfaces to allow staff to place the surgical instrument trays on the stand when needed. Other options include the pedestal style or the two leg or post stands that are often used to position the stand over the patient in a surgical procedure. The 2 post or single pedestal stands are designed with braces or legs that extend from the crossbar at the bottom forward in a horizontal fashion. This ensures that the weight on the tray will not tip the stand forward since there is no physical support under the tray. As these stands are typically made of stainless steel tubing they are very strong and durable, designed to remain upright and not tip even with considerable weight applied to the tray area. What sizes do surgical instrument trays with and without covers typically come in? There are many different sizes and styles of surgical instrument trays available. The covered trays typically are larger and heavier than the standard drying or perforated trays. A covered tray is typically 12.74inches by 7.75 inches in length and width, with the height of the tray without the cover being 2.25 inches. The cover, depending on the style and handle type can add another inch or more to the overall height when the cover is on the tray. Perforated instrument trays can range from 10 inches by 6.5 by 2 inches to larger sizes of 16.5 inches by 10inches by 2.5 inches. Flat drying trays come in the same height and width ranges as perforated trays but are typically shorter, often .75 to 1.25 inches in height on the rolled edges. Smaller trays measuring approximately 8.8 inches by 5 inches by 2 inches are also available if required. What are magnetic instrument trays and how are they used? In surgical settings magnetic instrument trays are a very easy, simple and disposable way to keep metal instruments in the right place and within easy access for the surgeon. These trays, which are actually cloth drapes with magnetic sections, are fully disposable. Most come in a standard size of 9.5 by 15.5 inches or 19.5 by 15.5 inches, perfect for laying across the patient during the surgical procedure. They can also be used as a substitute for larger surgical trays and stands if only a few instruments are required for the procedure. The metal instruments will immediately attach to the magnets in the drape, keeping them in place and very immediately accessible to the surgeon and assisting nurses and staff. They are also ideal for minor surgeries and treatments that are completed right in the doctor's office. The size of the tray or drape means it can be placed longitudinally or across the patient depending on the specific procedure and location of the trauma or area being treated.

Any situations where there is the chance of liquid or chemical splashing or when there is significant risk of material or debris that may be directed at the eyes then goggles are highly recommended. Since they do make a full enclosure over the eye area they prevent contact with these types of foreign materials and the eye in a much more complete fashion than safety glasses. Glasses, even those with side shields, leave areas to the outside corners and edges of the eye at risk for chemical contamination or exposure to object and debris. This can include both small and larger objects, both with are capable of causing serious eye injury. Goggles are also critical in situations where safety equipment needs to worn over top of prescription glasses. Wearing safety glasses in these situations is typically not practical unless you have prescription safety glasses that allow both protection and vision. Do I need to buy different sizes of lab safety goggles? Goggles are designed to be adjustable to any head or face size. They adjust by simply pulling tight on medium sized elastic strap that attaches to each side of the frame of the glasses just behind the temple. This allows anyone to wear the goggles, even over other prescription or protective eyewear. Individuals with very narrow or small faces may find that a children's goggle is a better fit, but this is uncommon for most adults. What if I have prescription glasses, can I get prescription goggles? Prescription goggles are not an option, but the very design of the goggle makes it easy to wear with your glasses. The goggles are very deep, sitting well out from the face, meaning that glasses can easily be worn underneath. The goggles will not press or rub against the glasses either on the frames, lens or the bridge of the nose, ensuring that the combination is comfortable even for long periods of time. For additional safety you may need to consider prescription leaded safety glasses underneath the goggles in highly specialized laboratories or medical work situations. Again this combination will provide the maximum protection for your eyes with two very lightweight eyewear options. Why are lab safety goggles ventilated, doesn't that pose a risk? Lab safety goggles are ventilated with very small holes on the sides of the glasses which corresponds to the area of the face just over and behind the temples. This allows for the release of humidity and heat under the glasses, helping to prevent any type of fogging with normal wear. Since the ventilation is indirect on and the curved parts of the sides of the glasses the risk of any transfer or contact with any splashed chemicals or materials is almost nil. These goggles have to meet all required safety standards including ANSI, CE and UL standards, just be sure to check the information that all standards are met and you can wear the goggles with confidence