Nauseef, W. M., & Maki, D. G. (1981). A study of the value of simple protective isolation in patients with granulocytopenia. New England Journal of Medicine, 304, 448–453.

To evaluate protective isolation versus no isolation.

The authors evaluated single protective isolation (single-bed room and clean gowns, gloves, and masks for people entering room) versus standard care (two-bed room and reminder sign to wash hands).

Forty-three episodes of neutropenia occurred in adult patients.

• Inpatient
• Hematology-oncology unit

This was a randomized study.

No significant difference was found between isolated and nonisolated patients regarding the incidence of infection, time of onset of first infection, and days with fever.