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 Interview Questions About Sterile Technique: How to Answer With Confidence
How to prepare for and answer common interview questions about sterile technique and asepsis when applying for a surgical technologist position.
January 26, 2026
Systemic Hemostatic Drugs Used in Surgery: Tranexamic Acid and Aminocaproic Acid
An overview of systemic antifibrinolytic medications used to reduce surgical bleeding, distinct from topical hemostatic agents applied to the field.
January 25, 2026
Brachial Plexus Anatomy for Shoulder and Upper Extremity Surgery
A focused anatomy review of the brachial plexus and its relevance to shoulder surgery, regional anesthesia blocks, and nerve injury risk.
January 24, 2026
Surgical Hand Scrub vs. Surgical Hand Rub: Comparing the Two AORN-Approved Methods
A comparison of traditional surgical hand scrubbing with antiseptic soap and the alcohol-based surgical hand rub method, both approved by AORN.
January 23, 2026
Bone Instruments Guide: Osteotomes, Curettes, and Bone Rongeurs Compared
A comparison of the hand-powered bone instruments used in orthopedic surgery, distinct from powered drills and saws.
January 22, 2026
Robotic-Assisted Surgery: Surgical Tech Responsibilities With the da Vinci System
A breakdown of the surgical technologist role in robotic-assisted surgery, including patient-side setup, docking, and troubleshooting.
January 21, 2026
NBSTSA Exam Accommodations: How to Request Extended Time or Testing Modifications
A guide to requesting testing accommodations for the CST exam, including documentation requirements and the request timeline.
January 20, 2026
Section Check-In Strategy for CST Exam Pacing: Setting Time Checkpoints Every 25 Questions
A structured checkpoint strategy for pacing yourself through the CST exam by tracking your progress at regular question intervals.
January 19, 2026
Negotiating a Raise as an Experienced Surgical Tech: When and How to Ask
A practical guide for experienced surgical technologists on when to ask for a raise, how to build your case, and how to handle the conversation.
January 18, 2026
Dantrolene and Malignant Hyperthermia: The Emergency Drug Every Surgical Tech Must Know
What malignant hyperthermia is, why dantrolene is the critical emergency treatment, and what the surgical technologist role is during an MH crisis.
January 17, 2026
Diaphragm Anatomy and Hiatal Hernia Repair: A Surgical Tech's Review
A focused anatomy review of the diaphragm and esophageal hiatus relevant to hiatal hernia repair and antireflux surgery.
January 16, 2026
Terminal Sterilization vs. High-Level Disinfection: Knowing Which Instruments Need Which
The difference between terminal sterilization and high-level disinfection, and which category of instruments each standard applies to.
January 15, 2026