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.
Radical Nephrectomy: Surgical Overview and Instrumentation
What surgical technologists need to know about radical nephrectomy, including approach options and vascular control instrumentation.
September 13, 2025
Mastectomy Procedure Overview: Total, Modified Radical, and Skin-Sparing
The differences between total, modified radical, and skin-sparing mastectomy, and what instrumentation and specimen handling each requires.
September 12, 2025
Inguinal Hernia Repair: Open Mesh Technique Step by Step
A step-by-step look at open inguinal hernia repair with mesh, including anatomy landmarks and instrumentation surgical techs should recognize.
September 11, 2025
Abdominal vs. Vaginal Hysterectomy: Understanding the Surgical Differences
A comparison of abdominal, vaginal, and laparoscopic hysterectomy approaches, including indications and the instrument sets each requires.
September 10, 2025
Total Hip Arthroplasty: Procedure Steps and Approach Types
A breakdown of total hip replacement surgical approaches, implant components, and the instrumentation surgical techs manage during the case.
September 9, 2025
Craniotomy Overview: What a Surgical Technologist Needs to Know
The essentials of craniotomy procedures for surgical techs, including positioning, specialized instrumentation, and hemostasis considerations.
September 8, 2025
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Basics Every Surgical Tech Should Know
An overview of CABG surgery, cardiopulmonary bypass considerations, and the graft vessels commonly harvested during the procedure.
September 7, 2025
Cesarean Section: Surgical Tech Responsibilities From Incision to Closure
What the surgical technologist manages during a cesarean section, including instrumentation, infant delivery timing, and postpartum hemorrhage readiness.
September 6, 2025
Total Knee Arthroplasty Instrumentation: What Surgical Techs Need to Know
A guide to the specialized cutting guides, power equipment, and trial components used during total knee arthroplasty procedures.
September 5, 2025
Open vs. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Key Differences for the CST Exam
A side-by-side comparison of open and laparoscopic gallbladder removal, covering instrumentation, positioning, and when conversion occurs.
September 4, 2025
Laparoscopic Appendectomy: The Surgical Tech Role Step by Step
A walkthrough of the laparoscopic appendectomy procedure from the sterile field, including instrumentation and count timing surgical techs need to know.
September 3, 2025