Surgical Instruments by Specialty - Quick Reference
A fast-scan reference of core instruments grouped by surgical specialty, with identification cues and typical use for the CST exam.
View cheat sheetSuture Materials Guide - Absorbable vs. Nonabsorbable
A quick-reference chart of suture materials, absorption profiles, tensile strength, and common clinical applications for CST exam prep.
View cheat sheetSurgical Counts Protocol - Sponge, Sharps, and Instrument Counts
A step-by-step reference for performing and documenting surgical counts, including when counts are required and how to resolve a discrepancy.
View cheat sheetSterilization Methods Comparison Chart
Compare steam, ethylene oxide, hydrogen peroxide plasma, and other sterilization methods by cycle time, mechanism, and material compatibility.
View cheat sheetPatient Positioning Guide - Positions, Risks, and Padding
A reference chart of standard surgical positions, associated procedures, and the pressure points and nerve injuries each position risks.
View cheat sheetWound Classification Chart - Surgical Wound Classes I-IV
The four CDC surgical wound classifications with examples, infection risk, and how classification affects postoperative care decisions.
View cheat sheetAnesthesia Types Overview - General, Regional, Local, and MAC
A comparison of anesthesia categories, common agents, and the surgical technologist role during induction, maintenance, and emergence.
View cheat sheetHemostasis Agents Quick Reference
A quick chart of mechanical, thermal, and chemical hemostatic methods and agents used to control intraoperative bleeding.
View cheat sheetSurgical Abbreviations Cheat Sheet
The most frequently tested surgical abbreviations and acronyms for the CST exam, organized by category.
View cheat sheetDraping Sequences by Procedure Type
Step-by-step draping order and principles for common surgical approaches, plus the core rules of sterile draping technique.
View cheat sheetSurgical Scrub - Order and Technique
The step-by-step sequence for the surgical hand scrub, including timed and counted-stroke methods and common exam pitfalls.
View cheat sheetBack Table and Mayo Stand Setup Guide
Organizational principles and typical layout for setting up the sterile back table and Mayo stand before a procedure.
View cheat sheetSpecimen Handling Protocols
Chain-of-custody steps for surgical specimens, from removal on the sterile field through pathology transfer and documentation.
View cheat sheetSurgical Pharmacology Quick Reference
A condensed chart of drug classes commonly used in the OR, their purpose, and key safety considerations for the sterile field.
View cheat sheetSurgical Anatomy Landmarks Cheat Sheet
Key surface and internal anatomical landmarks used to guide surgical incisions, approaches, and instrument placement.
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