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 Exam Rescheduling Policy: How to Change Your Test Date
What NBSTSA candidates need to know about rescheduling a CST exam appointment, including fees and deadlines.
August 13, 2026
Compassion Fatigue Among Operating Room Staff: What It Is and How to Address It
An overview of compassion fatigue as it affects operating room staff, including surgical technologists, and strategies to address it.
August 5, 2026
Lithotomy Position Nerve Injury Prevention: A Focused Guide
A detailed look at nerve injury risk specific to the lithotomy position and how the surgical team reduces that risk.
July 28, 2026
CO2 Laser vs. Nd:YAG Laser in Surgery: Key Differences to Know
A comparison of CO2 and Nd:YAG surgical lasers, including their typical clinical uses and safety considerations.
July 20, 2026
MH Cart Checklist: What Every Malignant Hyperthermia Cart Should Contain
A checklist overview of the standard contents expected on a malignant hyperthermia emergency cart in the operating room.
July 12, 2026
Sterile Field Medication Labeling Rules Every Surgical Technologist Must Follow
A detailed look at the medication and solution labeling standards required on the sterile field during surgery.
July 4, 2026
Central Line Bundle Practices and Why They Matter to the Surgical Team
An overview of central line-associated bloodstream infection prevention bundles and their relevance to surgical technologists supporting line placement.
June 26, 2026
Thoracic Surgery for Surgical Technologists: A CST Exam Specialty Guide
A focused guide to thoracic surgery instrumentation, positioning, and technique concepts relevant to surgical technology students and the CST exam.
June 18, 2026
Ophthalmic Surgery for Surgical Technologists: A CST Exam Specialty Guide
A focused guide to ophthalmic surgery instrumentation, positioning, and technique concepts relevant to surgical technology students and the CST exam.
June 10, 2026
3D Printing in Surgical Planning: What Surgical Technologists Should Know
How 3D-printed anatomical models and patient-specific instrumentation are used in surgical planning, and how they affect OR workflow.
June 2, 2026
Associate's Degree vs. Bachelor's Degree in Surgical Technology: Which Path Makes Sense
A comparison of associate's and bachelor's degree pathways into surgical technology, including cost, time, and career impact.
May 25, 2026
Suture Size Mnemonic Guide: Remembering the Numbering System for the CST Exam
A memory framework for understanding and recalling the USP suture sizing system tested on the NBSTSA CST exam.
May 17, 2026