[The quarantined dialysis room for Australia-antigen-positive patients. Theoretical, normative, structural, operational, organizational and management aspects].

The technical features of dialysis facilitate the transmission of hepatitis B virus and the outbreak of possibly serious epidemics among patients and hospital staffs. Statistical, epidemiological and clinical data have been collected on many occasions. They serve to emphasise the problem and the need for quarantined centres. The establishment of such a centre for HBsAg-positive patients is discussed in the light of personal experience in the design and setting up of quarantined rooms. The underlying technical and structural requirements are also examined. Reference is also made to two years' experience in the running of a room of this kind. Stress is laid on the importance of having a room for these patients, not only from the clinical standpoint (lessening of contagion), but also from teh social and exonomic standpoint (reduced costs and length of hospital stay, greater rehabilitation).