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.
Oxygen-Enriched Surgical Environments: Understanding and Managing Fire Risk
An explanation of what makes an oxygen-enriched surgical environment, and how the surgical team manages the added fire risk it creates.
July 1, 2026
Electrosurgical Fire Prevention: Reducing Ignition Risk During Active Electrosurgery Use
How surgical technologists help reduce fire ignition risk specifically related to electrosurgical unit use during procedures.
June 30, 2026
OR Fire Safety Checklist: A Practical Guide for Surgical Technologists
A practical checklist surgical technologists can use to reduce fire risk during case setup and throughout a procedure.
June 29, 2026
The OR Fire Triangle Explained: Oxidizer, Fuel, and Ignition Source
A breakdown of the three elements of the operating room fire triangle and how surgical technologists help control each one.
June 28, 2026
Antibiotic Prophylaxis Timing in Surgery: Why the 60-Minute Window Matters
An explanation of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis timing standards and why the surgical technologist should understand this even outside direct administration duties.
June 27, 2026
Central Line Bundle Practices and Why They Matter to the Surgical Team
An overview of central line-associated bloodstream infection prevention bundles and their relevance to surgical technologists supporting line placement.
June 26, 2026
Sterile Processing Updates Every Surgical Technologist Should Know
A look at recent trends and standard updates in sterile processing that affect how surgical technologists receive, use, and manage instrumentation.
June 25, 2026
Surgical Hand Scrub vs. Surgical Hand Rub: Comparing the Two Approved Methods
A comparison of traditional surgical hand scrubbing and alcohol-based surgical hand rub protocols, and how the CST exam tests both.
June 24, 2026
AORN Sterile Technique Updates: What Changed and Why It Matters for the CST Exam
An overview of how AORN periodically updates its Guidelines for Perioperative Practice and why surgical technology students should track current recommendations.
June 23, 2026
CDC Surgical Site Infection Prevention Guidelines: What Surgical Technologists Need to Know
A summary of current CDC surgical site infection prevention guidance and how it applies to the surgical technologist's intraoperative role.
June 22, 2026
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for Surgical Technologists: A CST Exam Specialty Guide
A focused guide to oral and maxillofacial surgery instrumentation, positioning, and technique concepts relevant to surgical technology students and the CST exam.
June 21, 2026
Obstetric and Gynecologic Surgery for Surgical Technologists: A CST Exam Specialty Guide
A focused guide to obstetric and gynecologic surgery instrumentation, positioning, and technique concepts relevant to surgical technology students and the CST exam.
June 20, 2026