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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : June 28, 2014 2:25 PM IST
ESA is building a prototype tester for crews on the International Space Station to provide diagnoses within a few minutes from a pinprick of blood. The ultimate device will offer rapid health checks and results for scientific research. The droplet is placed on a portable device built around a disc like a mini-DVD. The disc is set spinning to separate the sample into plasma and serum for a whole range of simultaneous tests. (Read: Now a blood test to detect the onset of diabetes!)
On the ground, there are already numerous applications - the automated laboratory unit covers illnesses such as heart disease, prostate cancer, diabetes and liver disease. The space device is being developed by Irish company Radisens Diagnostic, which began working with ESA in 2011. The first phase of the partnership with ESA assessed its suitability for space, with this new phase intending to design practical prototypes for use on the Station and other future manned space missions. (Read: A simple blood test could help detect 'solid' cancers)
Weightless living aboard the confined quarters of the orbital outpost can lead to various negative consequences, but the day-by-day oversight by medical experts on the ground is limited.What Radisens will develop is of the utmost interest,' comments ESA's Francois Gaubert . 'Being able to perform rapid analysis of astronauts' blood samples and monitor their physiological parameters aboard the Station, without having to transport the samples down to labs on the ground, would prove extremely useful.' (Read: Now a blood test to predict multiple sclerosis)
What are the different types of blood tests?
Blood cultures are commonly done when infection is suspected. It is a test to detect the presence of microorganisms like bacteria and fungi in the blood. The sample is placed in a culture media, it is then incubated in a controlled environment and observed for growth in the microorganisms. 2-3 blood cultures are usually done before the result is considered negative.
Blood Typing and Cross-matching
A blood typing test is used to identify blood group. The Blood group is determined by two special proteins (antigens), the ABO antigen and the Rhesus antigen.
Cross matching is the process that is done prior to a blood transfusion to test compatibility of the donor and the intended recipient. It is important that anyone who receives blood is given blood that matches their blood group to prevent the immune system from attacking the red blood cells. Cross matching is also used during pregnancy as there is a small risk that the unborn child may have a different blood group from the mother.
Blood Glucose test
It is used todiagnose and monitor diabetes. Glucose is a type of sugar that the body uses for energy. People with diabetes often have high levels of glucose in their blood.
With inputs from ANI
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