CST Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CST facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A surgeon requests 2-0 Prolene for a vascular anastomosis. What color is this suture typically packaged in? → Blue
2. When does the scrub technician typically begin setting up the sterile field for the next case in an efficient OR? → Immediately after the final count is confirmed and while closing continues in the other OR
3. Which of the following best describes the purpose of a towel clip on an instrument tray? → To secure sterile drapes to the patient
4. What should a surgical technician do in case of a surgical instrument malfunction during a procedure? → Inform the surgeon and take action to replace or repair the instrument.
5. Which action should the surgical technologist take when a patient states they are allergic to latex just before entering the OR? → Notify the surgical team immediately and prepare a latex-free environment
6. Humidity in the OR should be maintained between which levels to reduce static electricity and microbial growth? → 20–60%
7. The Modified Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is used by the OR team primarily to: → Assess baseline neurological status and guide urgency of neurosurgical intervention
8. During a cardiac procedure, protamine sulfate is administered. What is its function? → It reverses the anticoagulant effects of heparin
9. When performing a trauma thoracotomy, the left thoracic cavity is entered through which intercostal space? → 4th or 5th intercostal space along the anterolateral chest wall
10. During an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), retraction of the carotid sheath laterally exposes which structure that must be protected medially? → Esophagus and trachea
11. When assembling a tray for a procedure requiring magnification, the scrub technician should include which type of instruments? → Micro-instruments with smooth, fine-tipped jaws
12. What is the primary advantage of monofilament suture over multifilament suture? → Reduced tissue drag and infection risk
13. The circulator is preparing to pour contrast dye onto the sterile field for an arthrogram. What must the surgical technologist verify before accepting it? → The name, concentration, and expiration date of the agent
14. A CST professional encounters an unfamiliar situation while performing surgical asepsis & sterilization duties. What is the most appropriate first action? → Consult relevant standards, guidelines, or a qualified supervisor before proceeding
15. Which action BEST demonstrates the scrub tech's role as a patient advocate during the intraoperative phase? → Voicing concern when a sponge count discrepancy is not immediately resolved
16. What is the primary ethical obligation of a CST professional when a conflict of interest arises during surgical asepsis & sterilization activities? → Disclose the conflict to all relevant parties and recuse from the decision if necessary
17. A penetrating abdominal trauma patient has an eviscerated bowel loop through a stab wound. The scrub tech preparing for emergency laparotomy should NOT: → Attempt to replace the bowel into the abdomen pre-operatively
18. Which reversal agent is administered to counteract the effects of opioid overdose or respiratory depression in the perioperative setting? → Naloxone
19. Which stapler type is used to perform a linear resection AND simultaneous stapled closure of both cut ends? → GIA stapler
20. When setting up the back table, sutures should be placed: → In the order they will most likely be used
21. A CST who works a double shift despite feeling fatigued and impaired is violating which ethical principle? → Nonmaleficence
22. Which vascular clamp is most commonly used to control the aorta during an emergency department thoracotomy? → DeBakey aortic clamp
23. Which dressing type is most appropriate for a wound requiring a moist healing environment to promote granulation tissue? → Transparent film dressing or hydrocolloid
24. Which of the following is a fundamental principle of surgical asepsis & sterilization as it applies to Certified Surgery Technician? → Systematic evaluation and adherence to established industry standards
25. Which action BEST maintains the sterility of a wrapped sterile instrument set when opening it onto the back table? → Open the outermost flap away from the scrub tech, then side flaps, then near flap
26. Which sterilization method is most appropriate for heat-sensitive optic instruments such as laparoscopes? → Ethylene oxide (EO) gas sterilization
27. During a below-knee amputation, which level of bone transection preserves maximum functional stump length while ensuring adequate healing? → 10–15 cm below the tibial plateau
28. Which biological indicator organism is used to test the efficacy of steam sterilization? → Geobacillus stearothermophilus
29. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for the surgical technologist when irrigating a wound with pressure? → Sterile gown, gloves, mask, and eye protection
30. The correct method for passing a sharp instrument to a surgeon on the sterile field is: → Neutral zone (hands-free) technique placing the instrument in a designated safe zone