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.
Total Thyroidectomy: Procedure Overview and Instrumentation for CSTs
What surgical technologists need to know about thyroidectomy, including nerve monitoring, hemostasis technique, and specimen handling.
September 16, 2025
Lumbar Spinal Fusion Overview: What Surgical Techs Should Know
An overview of posterior lumbar spinal fusion, including instrumentation, positioning, and blood loss considerations for surgical techs.
September 15, 2025
Radical Prostatectomy: Robotic-Assisted vs. Open Approach
How robotic-assisted and open radical prostatectomy differ in setup, instrumentation, and the surgical tech role during each.
September 14, 2025
Radical Nephrectomy: Surgical Overview and Instrumentation
What surgical technologists need to know about radical nephrectomy, including approach options and vascular control instrumentation.
September 13, 2025
Mastectomy Procedure Overview: Total, Modified Radical, and Skin-Sparing
The differences between total, modified radical, and skin-sparing mastectomy, and what instrumentation and specimen handling each requires.
September 12, 2025
Inguinal Hernia Repair: Open Mesh Technique Step by Step
A step-by-step look at open inguinal hernia repair with mesh, including anatomy landmarks and instrumentation surgical techs should recognize.
September 11, 2025
Abdominal vs. Vaginal Hysterectomy: Understanding the Surgical Differences
A comparison of abdominal, vaginal, and laparoscopic hysterectomy approaches, including indications and the instrument sets each requires.
September 10, 2025
Total Hip Arthroplasty: Procedure Steps and Approach Types
A breakdown of total hip replacement surgical approaches, implant components, and the instrumentation surgical techs manage during the case.
September 9, 2025
Craniotomy Overview: What a Surgical Technologist Needs to Know
The essentials of craniotomy procedures for surgical techs, including positioning, specialized instrumentation, and hemostasis considerations.
September 8, 2025
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Basics Every Surgical Tech Should Know
An overview of CABG surgery, cardiopulmonary bypass considerations, and the graft vessels commonly harvested during the procedure.
September 7, 2025
Cesarean Section: Surgical Tech Responsibilities From Incision to Closure
What the surgical technologist manages during a cesarean section, including instrumentation, infant delivery timing, and postpartum hemorrhage readiness.
September 6, 2025
Total Knee Arthroplasty Instrumentation: What Surgical Techs Need to Know
A guide to the specialized cutting guides, power equipment, and trial components used during total knee arthroplasty procedures.
September 5, 2025