No abstract

A negative-pressure plastic isolator is effective for dealing with patients suffering from dangerous infections. So far it has been used to treat seven patients suspected of having infections due to Lassa, Marburg, or Ebola viruses. One patient spent 32 days in the isolator. The isolator has proved comfortable and acceptable to patients, and it gives the nursing and medical attendants a high degree of protection. All routine nursing and medical procedures can be carried out with minimal interference by the physical barrier, though it is not practicable to undertake artificial respiration or haemodialysis.

SUMMARYWe have assessed the effectiveness of flexible-film negative-pressure isolators by physical and biological means. We have found that they afford a high degree of containment and therefore also of safety to hospital staff. We offer some recommendations on the operation of these isolators to ensure the optimum degree of protection.