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: Instrument Identification Under Pressure
A worked example showing how to approach instrument identification questions on the CST exam when the image or description is unfamiliar.
May 9, 2026
One-Week CST Cram Schedule for Last-Minute Exam Prep
An emergency one-week study schedule for CST candidates who need to maximize a short window before exam day.
May 1, 2026
Process of Elimination: A CST Exam Strategy for Tricky Questions
How to use process of elimination effectively on NBSTSA CST exam questions when you are not immediately sure of the correct answer.
April 23, 2026
Traffic Control During OR Case Turnover: Minimizing Contamination Risk Between Surgeries
How proper traffic control and workflow during OR case turnover between surgeries reduces contamination risk and supports efficient room turnaround.
April 13, 2026
Perioperative Skin Antisepsis: Chlorhexidine vs. Povidone-Iodine Prep Solutions
A comparison of chlorhexidine gluconate and povidone-iodine as surgical skin prep solutions, including efficacy evidence and use considerations.
April 5, 2026
Surgical Attire Policy on Jewelry and Artificial Nails: What AORN Recommends and Why
The evidence-based reasoning behind AORN recommendations restricting jewelry and prohibiting artificial nails in the surgical setting.
March 28, 2026
Surgical Team Hand Hygiene Compliance Monitoring: How Facilities Track and Improve Rates
How healthcare facilities monitor and improve hand hygiene compliance among surgical team members, beyond the guidelines themselves.
March 20, 2026
Event-Related Sterility vs. Time-Related Sterility: Which Standard Applies Today
The difference between the outdated time-related sterility model and the current event-related sterility standard governing sterile supply shelf life.
March 12, 2026
Surgical Drape Fenestration and Barrier Integrity: What AORN Requires From Drape Materials
What surgical drape barrier integrity standards require, including fenestration design and fluid resistance requirements per AORN guidance.
March 4, 2026
Preventing Contamination During Instrument Transport Between Sterile Processing and the OR
Best practices for maintaining sterility during instrument transport between sterile processing departments and the operating room.
February 24, 2026
Surgical Site Marking Protocol: Why the Surgeon Must Mark Before the Patient Enters the OR
The requirements and rationale behind surgical site marking as part of the Universal Protocol, and how it prevents wrong-site surgery.
February 16, 2026
Perioperative Normothermia: Why Patient Warming Matters and the CST's Role
Why maintaining normal patient body temperature throughout surgery matters for outcomes, and how the surgical team actively supports normothermia.
February 8, 2026