An autoclavable intensive care isolator for the adult gnotobiotic dog

A lightweight stainless steel isolator which allows 3 investigators simultaneous access to an adult gnotobiotic dog for the purpose of rendering intensive care was designed and constructed. This isolator is 54'' high X 60'' long X 42'' wide. It has an 18'' diam entry port at 1 end and a pair of gloves mounted beneath a window on each of the other 3 sides. The chamber rests on a 12'' high pallet and is moved about the laboratory by a portable hydraulic platform lift. It can be rapidly cleansed with soap and water and sterilized in a large autoclave. Over the past 2 yr. this intensive care isolator has enabled us to perform a variety of manipulations on the adult gnotobiotic dog in a safe, convenient, and efficient manner.