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.
Immediate Use Steam Sterilization (Flash Sterilization): When AORN Says It Is Appropriate
What immediate use steam sterilization is, why AORN discourages routine use, and the specific circumstances where it remains appropriate.
January 31, 2026
Surgical Hand Scrub vs. Surgical Hand Rub: Comparing the Two AORN-Approved Methods
A comparison of traditional surgical hand scrubbing with antiseptic soap and the alcohol-based surgical hand rub method, both approved by AORN.
January 23, 2026
Terminal Sterilization vs. High-Level Disinfection: Knowing Which Instruments Need Which
The difference between terminal sterilization and high-level disinfection, and which category of instruments each standard applies to.
January 15, 2026
Surgical Smoke Evacuation: What OSHA and AORN Guidance Requires in the OR
An overview of the health risks of surgical smoke and the OSHA and AORN standards guiding smoke evacuation practices in the operating room.
January 7, 2026
Double Gloving in Surgery: The Evidence Behind AORN's Recommendation and Proper Technique
Why AORN recommends double gloving for surgical team members, the evidence behind it, and the correct technique for donning two pairs.
December 30, 2025
Patient Safety Initiatives in the OR: The Surgical Technologist's Role in the Universal Protocol
How surgical technologists actively support the Universal Protocol and other patient safety initiatives to prevent surgical errors.
December 22, 2025
Preventing Surgical Site Infections: The Surgical Tech's Role in SSI Prevention
How surgical technologists contribute to surgical site infection prevention, from sterile technique to normothermia and glycemic awareness.
October 20, 2025
Environmental Cleaning Between Surgical Cases: What the Standards Require
The terminal and between-case cleaning process for the operating room, and how it differs based on the type of case just completed.
October 19, 2025
OR Traffic Patterns and Restricted Areas: Unrestricted, Semi-Restricted, and Restricted Zones
How the operating room is divided into unrestricted, semi-restricted, and restricted zones, and the attire and behavior rules for each.
October 18, 2025
Chemical Indicators for Sterilization Explained: Classes 1 Through 6
A breakdown of the six classes of chemical indicators used in sterile processing, and what each class actually confirms about a sterilization cycle.
October 17, 2025
Biological Indicators for Sterilization: Why They Are the Gold Standard
What biological indicators are, how they confirm sterilization efficacy, and how often they should be used according to sterile processing standards.
October 16, 2025
Packaging and Wrapping Instruments for Sterilization: Techniques That Matter
How proper wrapping and packaging technique affects sterilization efficacy, including sequential and simultaneous wrap methods.
October 15, 2025