What is another name for a barrier isolator?

A barrier isolator, often referred to as a glove box, is a specialized piece of equipment designed to create a controlled environment for sterile compounding. It provides a physical barrier between the operator and the materials or substances being handled, which helps to maintain sterility and ensure a safe working environment.

The glove box is equipped with gloves that allow the operator to manipulate materials inside without compromising the isolation from the external environment. This setup is crucial in sterile compounding where preventing contamination is a top priority.

In contrast, a clean room is a controlled environment designed to minimize particulate contamination, but it does not provide the same level of physical barrier as a glove box. A laminar flow hood is designed to protect the product from contamination by providing a constant flow of sterile air; however, it does not isolate the operator from the work area in the same way. A biohazard cabinet, while used for handling potentially infectious materials, is distinct from barrier isolators in its intended use and regulatory classifications.

Thus, the terminology of a barrier isolator aligns best with the function and design of a glove box, making it the accurate choice in this context.