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 Continuing Education Conferences Worth Attending for CEUs and Networking
A guide to evaluating and choosing continuing education conferences for surgical technologists, balancing CEU value, cost, and networking opportunity.
March 15, 2026
Epidural and Spinal Anesthesia Medications: What Surgical Techs Should Recognize
An overview of the local anesthetics and adjunct medications used for epidural and spinal anesthesia, and how these regional techniques differ.
March 14, 2026
Ankle and Foot Anatomy for Orthopedic Procedures: A CST Exam Review
A focused anatomy review of the ankle joint and foot relevant to fracture fixation, ligament repair, and reconstructive orthopedic procedures.
March 13, 2026
Event-Related Sterility vs. Time-Related Sterility: Which Standard Applies Today
The difference between the outdated time-related sterility model and the current event-related sterility standard governing sterile supply shelf life.
March 12, 2026
Ultrasonic Scalpel and Advanced Energy Devices: Harmonic and LigaSure Compared
A comparison of ultrasonic and advanced bipolar energy devices used for tissue dissection and vessel sealing, distinct from standard electrosurgery.
March 11, 2026
Complex Ventral Hernia Repair With Component Separation: A Surgical Overview
An overview of component separation technique for complex ventral hernia repair, including mesh placement considerations and instrumentation.
March 10, 2026
Domain 3 Postoperative Patient Care: A CST Exam Content Breakdown
A detailed breakdown of the postoperative content tested on the CST exam, including wound care, dressings, and equipment care.
March 9, 2026
Analyzing the CST Exam Content Outline Percentages to Prioritize Your Study Time
How to use the published NBSTSA CST exam content outline percentages to allocate your study time proportionally across domains.
March 8, 2026
Surgical Tech Salary Negotiation for Travel Contracts: What Agencies Won't Tell You
A guide to negotiating pay rates and contract terms for travel surgical technologist assignments, including bill rate awareness and red flags.
March 7, 2026
Reversal Agents for Neuromuscular Blockade: How Sugammadex Differs From Neostigmine
A comparison of sugammadex and neostigmine as reversal agents for neuromuscular blocking drugs, and why the mechanism difference matters.
March 6, 2026
Wrist and Hand Anatomy for Hand Surgery: Carpal Tunnel and Tendon Repair Landmarks
A focused anatomy review of the wrist and hand relevant to carpal tunnel release and flexor tendon repair procedures.
March 5, 2026
Surgical Drape Fenestration and Barrier Integrity: What AORN Requires From Drape Materials
What surgical drape barrier integrity standards require, including fenestration design and fluid resistance requirements per AORN guidance.
March 4, 2026