Abstract: A collapsible isolation tent assembly includes a collapsible frame assembly, a flexible skin of impermeable material, and an air exchange arrangement, and further an air pump configured for being connected to the air exchange arrangement to effect a unidirectional air flow through the air exchange arrangement. The air pump has a pump capacity within the range of 85 per minute through 20,000 liters per minute. Openings in the flexible skin or around edges of the collapsible tent allow for an air flow compensating for the unidirectional air flow created by the air pump, and the collapsible isolation tent has a footprint dimensioned to be placed on a support surface for an individual patient, for example a hospital bed. A method for preventing air containing airborne pathogens from contaminating a surrounding space or the interior of the isolation tent involves operating an air pump in fluid communication with the collapsible tent.