SurgicalTechPrep Blog
Study smarter. Pass the CST exam.
Study guides, procedure breakdowns, and exam strategy to help you pass the NBSTSA CST exam on your first attempt.
CST Practice Question Walkthrough: Sterile Field Contamination Scenarios
A worked example of how to reason through a sterile field contamination scenario question on the NBSTSA CST exam.
May 8, 2026
90-Day CST Study Plan: A Comprehensive Three-Month Roadmap
A detailed 90-day study roadmap for surgical technology students who want maximum coverage before sitting for the CST exam.
April 30, 2026
Overcoming Test Anxiety Before the CST Exam: Practical Techniques
Evidence-based strategies surgical technology students can use to manage test anxiety before and during the NBSTSA CST exam.
April 22, 2026
Cell Salvage (Autotransfusion) Equipment: How Intraoperative Blood Recovery Works
A guide to intraoperative cell salvage equipment, which recovers and reinfuses a patient's own blood during surgeries with significant blood loss.
April 12, 2026
Suture Anchors and Soft Tissue Fixation Devices in Orthopedic Surgery
A guide to suture anchors and other soft tissue fixation devices used to reattach tendons and ligaments to bone in orthopedic procedures.
April 4, 2026
Sterile Processing Equipment: How Washer-Disinfectors and Autoclaves Work Together
A guide to the major equipment used in central sterile processing, including washer-disinfectors, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam autoclaves.
March 27, 2026
Orthopedic Implant Trays: Organizing Plates, Screws, and Trial Components
A guide to organizing and managing orthopedic implant trays, including fracture plates, screw sets, and joint replacement trial components.
March 19, 2026
Ultrasonic Scalpel and Advanced Energy Devices: Harmonic and LigaSure Compared
A comparison of ultrasonic and advanced bipolar energy devices used for tissue dissection and vessel sealing, distinct from standard electrosurgery.
March 11, 2026
Operating Room Table Attachments and Positioning Equipment: A Surgical Tech's Guide
A guide to common OR table attachments and positioning equipment, including armboards, footboards, traction devices, and specialty tables.
March 3, 2026
C-Arm Positioning and Draping for Orthopedic and Spine Procedures
A practical guide to positioning, draping, and coordinating the mobile C-arm fluoroscopy unit during orthopedic and spine surgery.
February 23, 2026
Laparoscopic Stapling Devices Guide: Loading, Firing, and Troubleshooting
A practical guide to laparoscopic linear and circular stapling devices, including cartridge selection, loading, and common troubleshooting scenarios.
February 15, 2026
ENT Microscope and Powered Instruments: Setup for Otologic and Sinus Surgery
A guide to the operating microscope and powered instrumentation used in ear surgery and functional endoscopic sinus surgery.
February 7, 2026