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.
Vascular Instrument Set Overview: Bulldog Clamps, Potts Scissors, and Vessel Loops
A breakdown of the specialized instruments found on a vascular surgery tray and how they differ from general surgery instrumentation.
January 14, 2026
Trauma Surgery: The Surgical Technologist's Role in Emergency Exploratory Laparotomy
What surgical technologists need to know about preparing for and assisting during emergency trauma laparotomy for penetrating or blunt abdominal injury.
January 13, 2026
Surgical Case Management on the CST Exam: Instrument Processing, Scheduling, and Resource Questions
A review of surgical case management content on the CST exam, covering instrument processing coordination, case cart preparation, and resource allocation.
January 12, 2026
CST Exam Computer-Based Testing Navigation: How to Use the On-Screen Tools Efficiently
A practical guide to navigating the computer-based CST exam interface, including flagging, review screens, and on-screen calculator tools.
January 11, 2026
TS-C Certification: What the Cardiovascular Surgical Technologist Specialty Credential Involves
An overview of the TS-C specialty certification for surgical technologists, its eligibility requirements, and why techs pursue it.
January 10, 2026
Anticholinergics Used in Anesthesia: Atropine, Glycopyrrolate, and Their Surgical Role
An overview of anticholinergic medications used during anesthesia, including their mechanism, indications, and relevance to the surgical team.
January 9, 2026
Cranial Nerve Anatomy for ENT and Neurosurgical Cases: A CST Review
A focused review of the cranial nerves most relevant to ENT and neurosurgical procedures and why surgical techs need to recognize them.
January 8, 2026
Surgical Smoke Evacuation: What OSHA and AORN Guidance Requires in the OR
An overview of the health risks of surgical smoke and the OSHA and AORN standards guiding smoke evacuation practices in the operating room.
January 7, 2026
Arthroscopy Tower and Shaver System Setup: A Surgical Tech's Equipment Guide
A guide to setting up and troubleshooting the arthroscopy tower, fluid management system, and powered shaver used in joint arthroscopy.
January 6, 2026
Pediatric Surgery: Special Considerations for Surgical Technologists in Pediatric Cases
Key differences in equipment, positioning, and communication that surgical technologists must account for when working pediatric surgical cases.
January 5, 2026
CST Self-Assessment Exam (SAE): How It Differs From the Real NBSTSA Exam
What the NBSTSA Self-Assessment Exam is, how it compares to the actual CST certification exam, and how to use it effectively.
January 4, 2026
Eliminating Wrong Answers on the CST Exam: A Process-of-Elimination Strategy That Works
A practical process-of-elimination method for narrowing down CST exam answer choices when you are not immediately sure of the correct answer.
January 3, 2026