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.
Endoscopy Tower and Camera Equipment: A Surgical Tech's Guide to Setup and Troubleshooting
A guide to the components of an endoscopy tower, including the camera system, insufflator, and light source, and common troubleshooting steps.
January 30, 2026
Bone Instruments Guide: Osteotomes, Curettes, and Bone Rongeurs Compared
A comparison of the hand-powered bone instruments used in orthopedic surgery, distinct from powered drills and saws.
January 22, 2026
Vascular Instrument Set Overview: Bulldog Clamps, Potts Scissors, and Vessel Loops
A breakdown of the specialized instruments found on a vascular surgery tray and how they differ from general surgery instrumentation.
January 14, 2026
Arthroscopy Tower and Shaver System Setup: A Surgical Tech's Equipment Guide
A guide to setting up and troubleshooting the arthroscopy tower, fluid management system, and powered shaver used in joint arthroscopy.
January 6, 2026
Craniotomy Instrument Set: Perforators, Rongeurs, Dural Elevators, and Bone Wax
A dedicated breakdown of the specialized instruments found on a craniotomy tray, separate from the procedure steps themselves.
December 29, 2025
Laparotomy Tray Instrument Checklist: What Belongs on a Major Abdominal Set
A complete checklist of instruments typically found on a laparotomy tray for major open abdominal surgery.
December 21, 2025
C-Arm Fluoroscopy Basics: What Surgical Techs Need to Know
How C-arm fluoroscopy is used in the OR, radiation safety principles, and the surgical tech role in setup and sterile draping of the unit.
October 4, 2025
Specimen Handling Procedures: What Surgical Techs Must Get Right
How to properly collect, label, and hand off surgical specimens, and why specimen errors are among the most serious mistakes a tech can make.
October 3, 2025
Surgical Draping Techniques and Principles Every CST Must Master
The core principles and common techniques of surgical draping, including AORN guidance on creating and maintaining a sterile field.
October 2, 2025
Sterilization Methods Compared: Steam, EtO, and Hydrogen Peroxide Plasma
A comparison of steam autoclave, ethylene oxide, and hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization, including which instruments require each method.
October 1, 2025
OR Suction Devices: Types, Setup, and Safe Use
The types of suction devices used during surgery, from Yankauer tips to Poole suction, and how surgical techs set them up safely.
September 30, 2025
Clamps and Hemostats: A Comparison Guide for the CST Exam
Distinguishing Kelly, Crile, Kocher, and other common clamps and hemostats by jaw design and clinical use.
September 29, 2025