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 Tech Union Representation: What to Know About Collective Bargaining in Healthcare
An overview of union representation for surgical technologists, including what collective bargaining covers and how to evaluate a unionized position.
April 8, 2026
Preoperative Medication Reconciliation: Which Home Medications to Hold Before Surgery
An overview of preoperative medication reconciliation, including common drug classes that are held or adjusted before surgery and why.
April 7, 2026
Facial Anatomy and Danger Zones for Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery
A review of facial anatomy danger zones, including the facial nerve branches and parotid gland region, relevant to plastic and maxillofacial surgery.
April 6, 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
Suture Anchors and Soft Tissue Fixation Devices in Orthopedic Surgery
A guide to suture anchors and other soft tissue fixation devices used to reattach tendons and ligaments to bone in orthopedic procedures.
April 4, 2026
Adrenalectomy: Surgical Overview for Open and Laparoscopic Approaches
An overview of adrenal gland removal surgery, comparing laparoscopic and open surgical approaches and key anatomical considerations.
April 3, 2026
NBSTSA vs. Other Surgical Technologist Credentialing Bodies: Understanding the Landscape
An overview of NBSTSA and other credentialing organizations in surgical technology, and why the CST credential is the most widely recognized.
April 2, 2026
How to Interpret CST Exam Score Reports After You Pass or Fail
A guide to understanding your NBSTSA CST exam score report, including scaled scoring and what the report tells you if you need to retake the exam.
April 1, 2026
Surgical Tech Salary by State: Regional Pay Variation Explained
Why surgical technologist salaries vary significantly by state and region, and how to research accurate regional pay data before relocating or negotiating.
March 31, 2026
Antibiotic Selection for Penicillin-Allergic Surgical Patients: What the Team Considers
How the surgical team selects prophylactic antibiotics for patients with a documented penicillin allergy, and the alternative drug classes used.
March 30, 2026
Axilla and Breast Anatomy for Mastectomy and Lumpectomy Procedures
A focused anatomy review of the breast and axilla relevant to mastectomy, lumpectomy, and sentinel lymph node biopsy.
March 29, 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