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.
AORN Guidelines for Sterile Field Boundaries: What Counts as Sterile
A clear explanation of what AORN considers the boundaries of a sterile field, and how those boundaries apply in real intraoperative situations.
October 10, 2025
Common Surgical Count Errors and How to Prevent Them
The most frequent mistakes that lead to surgical count discrepancies, and practical habits that prevent them before they happen.
October 9, 2025
Surgical Count Procedures: Step-by-Step Protocol From Start to Finish
The full step-by-step surgical count protocol, including when counts occur, who performs them, and how discrepancies are resolved.
October 8, 2025
Gowning and Gloving Procedure: Step-by-Step for Closed Gloving
A step-by-step walkthrough of the closed gloving technique surgical techs use to don a sterile gown and gloves without contamination.
October 7, 2025
Surgical Scrub Technique: Timed Method vs. Counted Stroke Method
A comparison of the timed and counted stroke surgical hand scrub methods, including proper technique and common errors to avoid.
October 6, 2025
The 10 Principles of Sterile Technique Every CST Must Memorize
A rundown of the foundational principles of sterile technique that govern nearly every judgment call surgical techs make in the OR.
October 5, 2025
C-Arm Fluoroscopy Basics: What Surgical Techs Need to Know
How C-arm fluoroscopy is used in the OR, radiation safety principles, and the surgical tech role in setup and sterile draping of the unit.
October 4, 2025
Specimen Handling Procedures: What Surgical Techs Must Get Right
How to properly collect, label, and hand off surgical specimens, and why specimen errors are among the most serious mistakes a tech can make.
October 3, 2025
Surgical Draping Techniques and Principles Every CST Must Master
The core principles and common techniques of surgical draping, including AORN guidance on creating and maintaining a sterile field.
October 2, 2025
Sterilization Methods Compared: Steam, EtO, and Hydrogen Peroxide Plasma
A comparison of steam autoclave, ethylene oxide, and hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization, including which instruments require each method.
October 1, 2025
OR Suction Devices: Types, Setup, and Safe Use
The types of suction devices used during surgery, from Yankauer tips to Poole suction, and how surgical techs set them up safely.
September 30, 2025
Clamps and Hemostats: A Comparison Guide for the CST Exam
Distinguishing Kelly, Crile, Kocher, and other common clamps and hemostats by jaw design and clinical use.
September 29, 2025