ASSESSMENT OF A PORTABLE CLINICAL BLOOD ANALYZER DURING SPACE-FLIGHT

This study was designed to validate the utility of a commercial portab le clinical blood analyzer (PCBA) in ground-based studies and on the s pace shuttle. Ionized calcium, pH, electrolytes, glucose, and hematocr it were determined. Results agreed well with those from traditional la boratory methods, and the PCBA demonstrated good between-day precision fur all analytes. In-flight analysis of control samples revealed diff erences in one analyte (sodium). There were few changes in crew member s' results during flight, and these were expected, Potassium increased in flight compared with before flight, and potassium, pH, and hematoc rit decreased after flight. Ionized calcium was decreased in flight an d on landing day. Changes during flight were likely related to sample collection technique. Postflight changes likely reflected the fluid re distribution that occurs after exposure to weightlessness. These data confirm that the PCBA is a reliable instrument for mast analytes, and can provide important medical data in remote locations, such as orbiti ng spacecraft.