A review of the development of isolation precautions.

Isolation precautions are crucial to the effective control of infection in healthcare settings. Isolation practices have developed considerably over the last 150 years; current systems and procedures of isolation are rational and scientifically-based. Epidemiological patterns of various diseases develop and change and isolation precautions aim to prevent their spread. Many historical developments originated in America, at the Centre for Disease Control (CDC). Isolation techniques and the more recent two-tier system of isolation were among these developments. This article reviews the development of various isolation precautions and examines the impact of CDC recommendations on UK practice.