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.
Sterile Processing Equipment: How Washer-Disinfectors and Autoclaves Work Together
A guide to the major equipment used in central sterile processing, including washer-disinfectors, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam autoclaves.
March 27, 2026
Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: A Surgical Technologist's Overview of Congenital Heart Repair
An overview of pediatric cardiac surgery for congenital heart defects, including cardiopulmonary bypass considerations unique to small patients.
March 26, 2026
Comparing CST Exam Prep Books and Question Banks: Which Study Resources Are Worth It
A framework for evaluating CST exam prep books and online question banks to determine which resources are worth your study budget and time.
March 25, 2026
CST Exam Day Morning Routine for Peak Mental Performance
A structured morning routine for CST exam day, covering sleep, nutrition, timing, and mental preparation for peak testing performance.
March 24, 2026
Surgical Tech Resignation: How to Give Notice Professionally and Leave on Good Terms
A guide to resigning from a surgical technologist position professionally, including notice timing, the resignation letter, and exit logistics.
March 23, 2026
Ophthalmic Anesthesia Blocks and Medications: Retrobulbar, Peribulbar, and Topical Options
An overview of the regional anesthesia blocks and medications used specifically for eye surgery, distinct from general ophthalmic eye medications.
March 22, 2026
Pelvic Anatomy for Colorectal Surgery: Rectal and Perineal Landmarks
A focused anatomy review of the pelvic floor, rectum, and perineum relevant to colorectal and rectal cancer surgery.
March 21, 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
Orthopedic Implant Trays: Organizing Plates, Screws, and Trial Components
A guide to organizing and managing orthopedic implant trays, including fracture plates, screw sets, and joint replacement trial components.
March 19, 2026
Cochlear Implant Surgery: A Surgical Technologist's Overview of the Procedure
An overview of cochlear implant surgery, including mastoidectomy access, electrode array insertion, and the surgical tech role.
March 18, 2026
How NBSTSA Develops and Validates CST Exam Questions: A Look Behind the Test
An explanation of how NBSTSA develops, reviews, and statistically validates CST exam questions before they count toward your score.
March 17, 2026
Breathing and Grounding Techniques to Calm CST Exam Anxiety Before You Start
Specific breathing and grounding techniques surgical tech candidates can use to manage acute anxiety in the minutes before starting the CST exam.
March 16, 2026