Comparison

CSTSetup vs ScrubLink

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

CSTSetup

This app provides surgical technologists, students, and educators with a comprehensive library of surgical setups, instrument details, and case log verification. Master hundreds of procedures, identify over 2,700 instruments, and ensure your clinical experience counts towards your logbook.

Highlights
  • Hundreds of surgical setups
  • 2,700+ instrument library
  • Instrument identification and details
  • Surgical case log evaluator
  • Procedural blueprints
  • Instrument handling cautions
Features
Read full description

Step into the operating room with absolute confidence. CSTSetup is the ultimate clinical companion designed exclusively for surgical technologists, students, and OR educators. Whether you are navigating your first clinical rotations, prepping for the CST exam, or preparing for an unfamiliar specialty, CSTSetup puts the entire back table right in your pocket. Key Features: 1. Master Hundreds of Surgical Setups Never walk into a case blind. Access step-by-step procedural blueprints and instrument lists for hundreds of surgical procedures. Explore our free General Surgery setups, or upgrade to Pro for Cardiac, ENT, Neurology, OB/GYN, Ophthalmology, and more. Each setup provides a detailed breakdown of the exact instruments and supplies you need so you can stay steps ahead of the surgeon. 2. The Ultimate 2,700+ Instrument Library Ditch the heavy textbooks. Utilize our smart global search to instantly identify over 2,700 surgical instruments featuring high-fidelity images, alternate names, and handling cautions. The database is intuitively organized by functional categories—such as Grasping & Holding, Retracting & Exposing, and Cutting & Dissecting—allowing you to quickly build visual recall and muscle memory. 3. Surgical Case Log Evaluator Stop second-guessing your clinical requirements. Use our free, built-in evaluator to instantly verify if a procedure will count toward your final logbook. Simply select your accreditation type (AST, NCCT, or CC4SA), input the procedure, and check off the specific tasks you performed in the OR. The app immediately evaluates your input and calculates whether your participation qualifies for a First Scrub, Second Scrub, or Observation role. It is the perfect, quick-reference verification tool to ensure you know exactly how a case counts before you submit it to your program director. Take control of your clinicals and your career. Download CSTSetup today and transform your device into the most powerful tool in your operating room.

About

ScrubLink

Access and share surgeon preference cards with a collaborative network. Search for surgeons and procedures, view shared notes, and create your own cards with visual aids and AI assistance. Designed for surgical technologists to organize and find essential case preparation information.

Highlights
  • Surgeon directory search
  • Preference card search by surgeon/procedure
  • Shared procedure notes
  • Create and update preference cards
  • Private card copies
  • Setup photos
  • AI-assisted card creation
Features
Read full description

ScrubLink is a collaborative surgeon preference card network built for Surgical Technologists. Quickly search for surgeons and procedures, view shared preference cards, and access practical procedure notes and setup information contributed by the ScrubLink community. With ScrubLink, you can: • Search the national surgeon directory • Find preference cards by surgeon and procedure • View shared procedure notes and setup information • Create and update preference cards • Keep private copies of preference cards • Add setup photos for quick visual reference • Use AI-assisted scanning to help create preference cards from existing information • Save frequently used cards for easier access ScrubLink is designed to make preference information easier to find, organize, and share—whether you are preparing for a case, working with an unfamiliar surgeon, or contributing information that may help another Surgical Technologist. SUBSCRIPTION ScrubLink requires a subscription for full access. Eligible new subscribers receive a 7-day free trial. After the trial, the subscription automatically renews at $2.99 per month unless canceled. Subscriptions can be managed or canceled through your Apple ID subscription settings. ScrubLink is intended as a professional reference and organizational tool. Information contributed by users should be verified against current facility policies, surgeon preferences, and established standards of practice before use. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

CSTSetup4 screens
ScrubLink4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: ScrubLink at 5.0 against CSTSetup's 3.0. CSTSetup's advantage is monetization model (freemium vs subscription) and iOS requirement (16.4 vs 18.5). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. CSTSetup sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per month and ScrubLink sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

ScrubLink holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 1 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
CSTSetup versus ScrubLink: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCSTSetupScrubLink
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.0 (2 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 5 days—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemium — betterSubscription
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.4 — better18.5
Further details — not scored
Size58 MB12 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCSTSetupSurgical Tech Review LLC

Customer experience

CSTSetup

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

ScrubLink

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

2 purchases

CSTSetup

Subscriptions2
  • CSTSetup Monthly Pro$12.991 Month
  • CSTSetup Yearly Pro$155.991 Year
1 purchases

ScrubLink

Subscriptions1
  • ScrubLink Monthly7 Days trial$2.991 Month

Questions

Is CSTSetup free?
CSTSetup is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ScrubLink free?
ScrubLink is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, CSTSetup or ScrubLink?
ScrubLink is rated higher. CSTSetup averages 3.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while ScrubLink averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do CSTSetup or ScrubLink have ads?
Neither CSTSetup nor ScrubLink shows ads.

Other comparisons