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 Scope of Practice by State: Why It Varies and What to Check Before You Relocate
An explanation of how surgical technologist scope of practice and certification requirements differ from state to state.
January 2, 2026
Antiemetics Used in the Perioperative Setting: What Surgical Techs Should Know
An overview of the antiemetic medications commonly used to prevent and treat postoperative nausea and vomiting.
January 1, 2026
Vascular Anatomy for Aortic Aneurysm Repair: A CST Exam Review
A focused anatomy review of the abdominal aorta and its major branches relevant to open and endovascular aneurysm repair.
December 31, 2025
Double Gloving in Surgery: The Evidence Behind AORN's Recommendation and Proper Technique
Why AORN recommends double gloving for surgical team members, the evidence behind it, and the correct technique for donning two pairs.
December 30, 2025
Craniotomy Instrument Set: Perforators, Rongeurs, Dural Elevators, and Bone Wax
A dedicated breakdown of the specialized instruments found on a craniotomy tray, separate from the procedure steps themselves.
December 29, 2025
Kidney Transplant Surgery: The Surgical Technologist's Role in Living and Deceased Donor Cases
What surgical technologists need to know about instrumentation, vascular anastomosis, and team coordination during kidney transplant surgery.
December 28, 2025
AST Core Curriculum: How to Use It as Your Primary CST Exam Study Resource
How to effectively use the AST Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology as the backbone of your CST exam study plan.
December 27, 2025
Identifying Priority and Sequencing Keywords in CST Exam Question Stems
How to spot priority words like "first," "best," and "most important" in CST exam questions and use them to find the correct answer faster.
December 26, 2025
Surgical Tech Preceptorship: What to Expect During Your First Clinical Rotation as a New Grad
A guide to what new surgical technology graduates can expect from a structured preceptorship, and how to make the most of it.
December 25, 2025
Vasopressors Used in Surgery: Norepinephrine, Phenylephrine, and Vasopressin Explained
An overview of the vasopressor medications anesthesia providers use to manage intraoperative blood pressure and what surgical techs should know.
December 24, 2025
Pancreatic Anatomy for the Whipple Procedure: A Surgical Tech's Review
A focused anatomy review of the pancreas, duodenum, and surrounding structures relevant to pancreaticoduodenectomy.
December 23, 2025
Patient Safety Initiatives in the OR: The Surgical Technologist's Role in the Universal Protocol
How surgical technologists actively support the Universal Protocol and other patient safety initiatives to prevent surgical errors.
December 22, 2025