protective isolation

protective isolation

Etymology: L, protegere, to cover in front; It, isolare, detached

1 the practice of confining a patient with a virulent infectious disease in a separate area so that contact with other people can be minimized.

2 the practice of placing a highly susceptible person, such as an immunodeficient patient, in a separate area where the risk of contact with pathogenic microorganisms can be controlled.

---

protective

1. providing protection.

2. substances used to provide protection to tissues.

---

protective clothing

varies with the risk prevailing, e.g. radiation (see x-ray protection), waterproof gear for highly infectious diseases, coveralls for normal large animal practice, metal studded gloves for catching aggressive companion animals.

protective isolation

a type of isolation designed to prevent contact between potentially pathogenic microorganisms and uninfected animals which have seriously impaired resistance. Called also reverse isolation. It is recommended for patients suffering from agranulocytosis, severe and extensive dermatitis, certain types of lymphomas and leukemias, and those who are receiving immunosuppressive therapy.

protective substances

finely ground, absorbent, insoluble, inert substances that absorb toxins, cover sensitive and damaged tissues with a fine film. Includes starch, kaolin, talc, zinc oxide, zinc stearate. See also intestinal protectant.