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.
Osmotic Diuretics in Neurosurgery: How and Why Mannitol Is Used to Reduce Intracranial Pressure
How mannitol works as an osmotic diuretic to reduce intracranial pressure during neurosurgical procedures, and what surgical techs should know.
February 2, 2026
Systemic Hemostatic Drugs Used in Surgery: Tranexamic Acid and Aminocaproic Acid
An overview of systemic antifibrinolytic medications used to reduce surgical bleeding, distinct from topical hemostatic agents applied to the field.
January 25, 2026
Dantrolene and Malignant Hyperthermia: The Emergency Drug Every Surgical Tech Must Know
What malignant hyperthermia is, why dantrolene is the critical emergency treatment, and what the surgical technologist role is during an MH crisis.
January 17, 2026
Anticholinergics Used in Anesthesia: Atropine, Glycopyrrolate, and Their Surgical Role
An overview of anticholinergic medications used during anesthesia, including their mechanism, indications, and relevance to the surgical team.
January 9, 2026
Antiemetics Used in the Perioperative Setting: What Surgical Techs Should Know
An overview of the antiemetic medications commonly used to prevent and treat postoperative nausea and vomiting.
January 1, 2026
Vasopressors Used in Surgery: Norepinephrine, Phenylephrine, and Vasopressin Explained
An overview of the vasopressor medications anesthesia providers use to manage intraoperative blood pressure and what surgical techs should know.
December 24, 2025
Surgical Drug Calculations: Dosage, Dilution, and Metric Conversion Practice
A review of the basic dosage, dilution ratio, and metric conversion math skills the CST exam expects surgical technologists to perform.
November 20, 2025
High-Alert Medications in the Operating Room: Extra Vigilance Required
What makes a medication high-alert in the surgical setting, and the extra safety steps required when handling these drugs at the sterile field.
November 19, 2025
Surgical Dyes and Stains Used Intraoperatively: Methylene Blue and More
How dyes like methylene blue and indocyanine green are used during surgery to identify structures and guide surgical decisions.
November 18, 2025
Neuromuscular Blocking Agents: What Surgical Techs Should Understand
A basic overview of neuromuscular blocking agents used during general anesthesia and why they matter to the surgical team.
November 17, 2025
Vasoconstrictors in Surgery: How and Why Epinephrine Is Used
How epinephrine and other vasoconstrictors are used during surgery to control bleeding and prolong local anesthetic effect.
November 16, 2025
Irrigation Solutions Used in Surgery: Saline, Antibiotic, and Distension Fluids
An overview of the different irrigation solutions used during surgical procedures and how their use varies by specialty.
November 15, 2025