Types of isolation

Historically, two primary types of isolation systems were used in health care:
1. Category -specific isolation
2. Disease- specific isolation

Currently these isolation classifications are mostly replaced by standard precaution and transmission based precaution. How ever, still some facilities follow such system.

Category specific isolation, specific categories of isolation (eg. Respiratory, contact, enteric, strict or wound) are identified, using color-coded cards. This form of isolation is based on the client’s diagnosis. The cards are posted outside the client’s room and state that visitors must check with nurses before entering.

Disease:
specific isolation, uses a single all-purpose sign. Nurse selects the items on the card that are appropriate for the specific disease that is causing isolation.