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. 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.
2. During a cardiac procedure, protamine sulfate is administered. What is its function? → It reverses the anticoagulant effects of heparin
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. Which reversal agent is administered to counteract the effects of opioid overdose or respiratory depression in the perioperative setting? → Naloxone
7. Which dressing type is most appropriate for a wound requiring a moist healing environment to promote granulation tissue? → Transparent film dressing or hydrocolloid
8. 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
9. What is the required protocol for inspecting drapes before they are removed from the OR? → Drapes must be carefully unfolded and inspected for concealed items before removal
10. What is the role of the surgical technician in preventing surgical site infections? → To ensure the sterile field is maintained and contamination risks are minimized.
11. What is the primary ethical obligation of a CST professional when a conflict of interest arises during or efficiency & case flow activities? → Disclose the conflict to all relevant parties and recuse from the decision if necessary
12. Who is responsible for performing surgical counts in the OR? → The scrub technician and the circulating nurse together
13. What should a surgical technician do if they discover a malfunctioning instrument during surgery? → Immediately inform the surgeon and assist in replacing or repairing the instrument.
14. A CST professional encounters an unfamiliar situation while performing perioperative patient advocacy duties. What is the most appropriate first action? → Consult relevant standards, guidelines, or a qualified supervisor before proceeding
15. When the scrub technician is permanently relieved by another during a procedure, what must happen? → A complete count must be performed at the exact time of relief
16. What must be documented when a surgical count cannot be performed due to a life-threatening emergency? → The reason the count was not performed must be documented in the perioperative record
17. How must sponges be counted to ensure an accurate surgical count? → Individually, with each sponge separated and visually verified
18. At which additional intraoperative point must a surgical count be performed beyond the opening and closing counts? → Before closure of any cavity within a cavity
19. What is the role of the surgical technician in managing equipment after surgery? → To clean, sterilize, and store the equipment properly for future use.
20. Why is it essential for surgical instruments to be sterilized before each surgery? → To ensure that the instruments are free of harmful microorganisms.
21. When applying a pressure dressing after surgery, what is the primary goal? → To reduce dead space, prevent hematoma/seroma formation, and support wound edges
22. A CST professional encounters an unfamiliar situation while performing trauma & emergency surgery duties. What is the most appropriate first action? → Consult relevant standards, guidelines, or a qualified supervisor before proceeding
23. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT/VAC therapy) works by: → Using sub-atmospheric pressure to remove exudate and promote granulation
24. What should a surgical technician do if they observe unprofessional behavior in the operating room? → Report the behavior to a supervisor and ensure it does not affect patient care.
25. What is the primary responsibility of a surgical technician during a procedure? → To assist the surgeon and maintain sterile conditions.
26. Which medication classification includes drugs like heparin that are commonly used during vascular surgery to prevent clot formation? → Anticoagulants
27. Which topical hemostatic agent is derived from oxidized cellulose and is absorbed by the body after implantation? → Surgicel (Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose)
28. What is the role of a surgical technician in instrument management? → To ensure all instruments are sterilized and organized for the procedure.
29. Why are surgical sponges manufactured with radiopaque markers embedded in them? → To allow detection by X-ray imaging if inadvertently retained in the patient
30. When new items are added to the sterile field during a procedure, what must occur? → Count them immediately with the circulator and document the addition