Abstract: An isolator and method of using it for providing a contamination-free atmosphere in which a surgical procedure can be performed or equipment that is sensitive to environmental contamination can be assembled. The isolator includes an inflatable bag of flexible material through which filtered air is circulated. For use in surgery, a portion of the lower side is made of an elastic surgical drape material to allow a body member upon which a surgical procedure is to be performed to be pulled into the work space of the bag. A portion of the top side of the bag is made of a relatively stiff, optically transparent, material through which the surgeon or the assembly worker can view the work area. A plurality of open-ended sleeves are attached to the bag through which the hands and arms of the surgeon and his assistants or the worker can extend into the work space.