Isolator

ISOLATOR (from French isolation-separation), a concept referring to complete separation from the rest of the world. In medical practice, the term I. has found diverse application in various forms, primarily for the stationary accommodation of sick and healthy people, though this term has not acquired sufficient definitiveness and distinction from other related concepts. Most frequently, this word is used in the following cases: psychiatric I., i.e., a facility for the individual isolation of dangerous, agitated, and other similar types of mentally ill persons. Psychiatric I.s, which were very common in former times, are now increasingly becoming a thing of the past (see Hospital, psychiatric hospital). I.-isolation wards or isolation departments in infectious and general hospitals (see Hospital, infectious hospital) - serve for the isolated accommodation of undiagnosed cases, mixed or especially dangerous infections, individual cases of contagious diseases, etc. I. at disinfection and quarantine institutions, isolation house (see) or apartment, usually serves for accommodating healthy persons in connection with the implementation of anti-epidemic measures. Children's I.s, sometimes also called 'collectors', are intended for receiving and sanitizing children being sent to closed-type children's institutions, with the aim of preventing the introduction of infectious diseases. In addition to the most common cases mentioned above, the word I. is also used in a number of other contexts to define similar and analogous concepts in medical and veterinary practice.