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.
Needle Holders: Selection, Sizing, and Proper Use in the OR
How surgical techs select and load the correct needle holder for a given suture and needle size, and common needle holder types.
September 28, 2025
Surgical Scissors Types by Use: Metzenbaum, Mayo, and Beyond
How to distinguish surgical scissors by tissue type and application, from Metzenbaum and Mayo scissors to specialty micro-scissors.
September 27, 2025
Surgical Forceps Types Compared: Tissue, Dressing, and Specialty Forceps
A comparison of common surgical forceps types, including tissue forceps, dressing forceps, and their appropriate clinical use.
September 26, 2025
Surgical Retractors: Types and Uses Across Specialties
A breakdown of handheld and self-retaining retractors, their common uses, and how to recognize them on the CST exam.
September 25, 2025
Orthopedic Power Equipment: Drills, Saws, and Reamers Explained
An overview of the power equipment used in orthopedic surgery, including safe handling and setup responsibilities for surgical techs.
September 24, 2025
Laparoscopic Instruments Guide: Identifying Tools by Function
A functional guide to common laparoscopic instruments, from graspers and dissectors to trocars and energy devices, for CST exam preparation.
September 23, 2025
Electrosurgical Unit Safety Basics Every Surgical Tech Must Know
How monopolar and bipolar electrosurgery work, common safety hazards, and the surgical tech responsibilities for safe electrosurgical setup.
September 22, 2025
Back Table Organization: Best Practices for Efficient Case Setup
How to organize the sterile back table so supplies, instruments, and counted items are easy to find and easy to track throughout a case.
September 21, 2025
Mayo Stand Setup: A Step-by-Step Method for Organizing Your Instruments
A practical, repeatable method for arranging the Mayo stand so every instrument is where the surgeon expects it during a case.
September 20, 2025
Surgical Instruments by Specialty: A Reference for CST Candidates
How instrument sets differ across general, orthopedic, cardiothoracic, and neuro specialties, and why recognizing the pattern matters more than memorizing every tool.
September 19, 2025