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 Smoke-Free OR Recommendations: Building a Compliance Plan
A look at AORN's recommended practices for a smoke-free operating room and how facilities implement them in daily practice.
July 25, 2026
Surgical Smoke Evacuation Guidelines: What AORN and OSHA Recommend
An overview of current surgical smoke evacuation standards and why active evacuation matters for OR staff health.
July 24, 2026
Pneumatic Tourniquet Pressure Settings: How the Surgical Team Determines the Right Number
An overview of how pneumatic tourniquet pressure settings are determined for individual patients during extremity surgery.
July 23, 2026
Tourniquet Time Limits: How Long Is Too Long for the CST Exam
A look at accepted tourniquet time limits for extremity surgery and why prolonged tourniquet time increases patient risk.
July 22, 2026
Pneumatic Tourniquet Safety Guidelines for Extremity Surgery
An overview of pneumatic tourniquet safety principles surgical technologists must follow during extremity procedures.
July 21, 2026
CO2 Laser vs. Nd:YAG Laser in Surgery: Key Differences to Know
A comparison of CO2 and Nd:YAG surgical lasers, including their typical clinical uses and safety considerations.
July 20, 2026
Laser Eye Protection in Surgery: Choosing the Right Wear for Each Laser Type
A guide to selecting correct laser safety eyewear based on wavelength, and why generic eye protection is not sufficient during laser use.
July 19, 2026
Laser Safety Classifications in the Operating Room: A CST Exam Guide
An overview of surgical laser classification categories and the corresponding safety precautions the surgical team must follow.
July 18, 2026
Argon Beam Coagulation Safety: What Surgical Technologists Should Understand
An overview of argon beam coagulation technology, its clinical uses, and the specific safety considerations surgical technologists should know.
July 17, 2026
Preventing Electrosurgery Burns: A Practical Safety Guide
Practical strategies surgical technologists use to help prevent unintended burn injuries related to electrosurgical unit use during surgery.
July 16, 2026
Electrosurgical Unit Grounding Pad Placement: Getting It Right Every Time
A guide to correct dispersive grounding pad placement for monopolar electrosurgery and the risks of getting it wrong.
July 15, 2026
Monopolar vs. Bipolar Electrosurgery: A Safety Comparison for the CST Exam
A comparison of monopolar and bipolar electrosurgery, including how current pathway differences affect patient safety.
July 14, 2026