Which item is NOT listed as a supply used to surgically prep the hand?

• A. Nail cleaner
• B. Foam scrub sponges
• C. Impervious sheet
• D. Nonsterile comb and water-soluble hair gel

Answer: (D)

Hand surgical prep aims to clean the skin and nails and reduce microbial load while establishing a sterile field around the hands. This uses items that actually clean and prepare the skin: nail cleaner to remove debris from under the nails, and foam scrub sponges or brushes to scrub the skin evenly with antiseptic solution. An impervious sheet is part of the barrier system used in draping to maintain sterility, not a skin-cleaning agent. In contrast, a nonsterile comb and water-soluble hair gel belong to hair grooming and could introduce oils, residues, or microbes into the sterile setup, so they are not part of the hand-prep supplies.