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.
Surgical Attire Requirements: What AORN Recommends for the OR
AORN recommended practices for surgical attire, including scrubs, head coverings, masks, and jewelry restrictions in the operating room.
October 14, 2025
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard: What It Requires in the Operating Room
A breakdown of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard as it applies to surgical technologists, including PPE, exposure control, and sharps safety.
October 13, 2025
CDC Hand Hygiene Guidelines for Surgical Staff: What the Exam Expects You to Know
How CDC hand hygiene guidance applies specifically to the perioperative environment, including the difference between hand hygiene and the surgical scrub.
October 12, 2025
Breaks in Sterile Technique: How to Recognize and Respond Correctly
How to identify common breaks in sterile technique during a case and the correct corrective action for each type of contamination event.
October 11, 2025
AORN Guidelines for Sterile Field Boundaries: What Counts as Sterile
A clear explanation of what AORN considers the boundaries of a sterile field, and how those boundaries apply in real intraoperative situations.
October 10, 2025
Common Surgical Count Errors and How to Prevent Them
The most frequent mistakes that lead to surgical count discrepancies, and practical habits that prevent them before they happen.
October 9, 2025
Surgical Count Procedures: Step-by-Step Protocol From Start to Finish
The full step-by-step surgical count protocol, including when counts occur, who performs them, and how discrepancies are resolved.
October 8, 2025
Gowning and Gloving Procedure: Step-by-Step for Closed Gloving
A step-by-step walkthrough of the closed gloving technique surgical techs use to don a sterile gown and gloves without contamination.
October 7, 2025
Surgical Scrub Technique: Timed Method vs. Counted Stroke Method
A comparison of the timed and counted stroke surgical hand scrub methods, including proper technique and common errors to avoid.
October 6, 2025
The 10 Principles of Sterile Technique Every CST Must Memorize
A rundown of the foundational principles of sterile technique that govern nearly every judgment call surgical techs make in the OR.
October 5, 2025