Positive-pressure isolators are designed to protect sensitive sterile products by maintaining a higher pressure inside the work zone than in the surrounding room. Clean, HEPA-filtered air is pushed outward through any potential leaks, preventing unfiltered room air from entering the critical area. These systems are ideal for aseptic preparation of non-hazardous drugs, sterile solutions, and other products where product protection is the primary concern.
Typical applications include compounding of non-hazardous sterile preparations, ophthalmic solutions, parenteral nutrition, and small-batch manufacturing where repeatable, ISO-classified conditions are required. Positive-pressure isolators often provide ISO Class 5 (or better) air quality in the main chamber, with integrated transfer chambers, glove ports, and smooth stainless-steel interiors that simplify cleaning and disinfection workflows.
Selecting the right positive-pressure isolator involves understanding your sterility assurance level, throughput, cleaning and disinfection protocols, and how the unit will integrate into your existing cleanroom or pharmacy layout. ARES Scientific helps you evaluate pressure control, airflow design, transfer processes, monitoring systems, and service access so your team can maintain robust aseptic technique with minimal downtime.
Positive-pressure isolators are used when product sterility is the main concern and materials handled are not classified as hazardous to personnel. They are common for non-hazardous sterile compounding, aseptic filling, and small-batch manufacturing, where clean air must be kept inside and room air kept out.
These systems are suitable for non-hazardous sterile preparations such as ophthalmic solutions, parenteral nutrition, dilutions of non-hazardous injectables, and other aseptic manipulations where there is no requirement for containment of hazardous vapors or powders.
No. Hazardous drugs require containment to protect personnel and the environment. Those workflows typically call for a negative-pressure containment isolator or other system designed specifically for hazardous drug handling and compliance with standards such as USP .
Positive-pressure isolators should be commissioned and certified at installation, after major service or relocation, and on a regular schedule defined by your quality program. Common checks include filter integrity testing, pressure control verification, leak checks, and confirmation of airflow and cleanliness classification.
Integration involves confirming room classification, pressure cascades, and utility connections such as power and any required exhaust. Placement should support logical material flow, safe transfer of supplies, and clear access for cleaning and service, while maintaining required room pressure relationships.
