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.
Cardiovascular System Anatomy Every Surgical Tech Should Know Cold
A focused review of cardiovascular anatomy relevant to the CST exam, including heart chambers, valves, and major vessels.
October 22, 2025
Abdominal Quadrants and Organs: A Quick Review for the CST Exam
A concise review of the four abdominal quadrants and the organs found in each, with clinical relevance for common general surgery procedures.
October 21, 2025
Preventing Surgical Site Infections: The Surgical Tech's Role in SSI Prevention
How surgical technologists contribute to surgical site infection prevention, from sterile technique to normothermia and glycemic awareness.
October 20, 2025
Environmental Cleaning Between Surgical Cases: What the Standards Require
The terminal and between-case cleaning process for the operating room, and how it differs based on the type of case just completed.
October 19, 2025
OR Traffic Patterns and Restricted Areas: Unrestricted, Semi-Restricted, and Restricted Zones
How the operating room is divided into unrestricted, semi-restricted, and restricted zones, and the attire and behavior rules for each.
October 18, 2025
Chemical Indicators for Sterilization Explained: Classes 1 Through 6
A breakdown of the six classes of chemical indicators used in sterile processing, and what each class actually confirms about a sterilization cycle.
October 17, 2025
Biological Indicators for Sterilization: Why They Are the Gold Standard
What biological indicators are, how they confirm sterilization efficacy, and how often they should be used according to sterile processing standards.
October 16, 2025
Packaging and Wrapping Instruments for Sterilization: Techniques That Matter
How proper wrapping and packaging technique affects sterilization efficacy, including sequential and simultaneous wrap methods.
October 15, 2025
Surgical Attire Requirements: What AORN Recommends for the OR
AORN recommended practices for surgical attire, including scrubs, head coverings, masks, and jewelry restrictions in the operating room.
October 14, 2025
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard: What It Requires in the Operating Room
A breakdown of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard as it applies to surgical technologists, including PPE, exposure control, and sharps safety.
October 13, 2025
CDC Hand Hygiene Guidelines for Surgical Staff: What the Exam Expects You to Know
How CDC hand hygiene guidance applies specifically to the perioperative environment, including the difference between hand hygiene and the surgical scrub.
October 12, 2025
Breaks in Sterile Technique: How to Recognize and Respond Correctly
How to identify common breaks in sterile technique during a case and the correct corrective action for each type of contamination event.
October 11, 2025