What materials are required for the preparation table in an embalming facility?

The correct choice highlights the importance of using a non-porous surface for the preparation table in an embalming facility. Non-porous surfaces are essential because they prevent the absorption of bodily fluids and chemicals, which could create unsanitary conditions and pose health risks. These surfaces facilitate easy cleaning and disinfection, thereby ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

Using materials that are non-porous helps in containing any spills or leaks during the embalming process, minimizing contamination and the potential spread of pathogens. This characteristic is critical in maintaining a hygienic environment, which is a foundational requirement in any funeral service practice.

While wood and plastic can be utilized in various contexts, they are not ideal for a preparation table due to their porosity and potential for harboring bacteria. Formica, while being a type of laminate that may have non-porous properties, isn't fundamentally the best descriptor of the required surface given the standardized terminology in regulatory contexts. Hence, non-porous surfaces are specifically mandated to ensure the highest standards of sanitation in embalming facilities.