Human Life Sciences Constraints in Space Flight Low Sample Size Sufficient numbers of subjects for...
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Transcript of Human Life Sciences Constraints in Space Flight Low Sample Size Sufficient numbers of subjects for...
Human Life Sciences Constraints in Space Flight
Low Sample SizeSufficient numbers of subjects for meaningful results can be difficult, may require multiple flights over years.
Absolute effects of weightlessness not known Physical activity associated with mission operations, deliberate exercise countermeasures, environmental parameters, sleep shifting, psychological factors, medical investigations, medical treatment, etc.
Standard investigative and diagnostic methods are often not possible Levels of control and scientific rigor may be less than ‘gold standard’ conditions in ground laboratories. Crewmembers serve as subjects, operators, lab techs, data managers, etc, in addition to other flight duties
Everything takes a little longer in micro gravity….
** For the most part, it works. **
ISS Onsite Analysis, Diagnosis and Research
Blood: HCT, simple electrolytes and enzymes (portable clinical blood analyzer, ‘Reflotron’ analyzer)
Urine: basic reagent stick analysis
Physical exam: body mass, vital signs, pulse oximetry, medical reports (IFEP)
Imagery: Ultrasound (echocardiography, abdominal U/S, etc)
ECG, 12 lead real time and 24 hr ambulatory monitoring
Pulmonary function / spirometry
Environmental:
Water – total organic carbon, microbiology (colony count), coliformsNoise – environmental levels, personal dosimetry, audiologyAtmosphere – basic constituents, volatile organics, microbial (colony count)Radiation – area counts
Potential Expanded Onsite Analysis for Space Flight
Blood Parameters: white blood cell count and differential, metabolic makers (bone, muscle breakdown products), expanded blood chemical constituents, key interest hormonal assays
Urine Parameters: metabolic markers (bone, muscle), hormonal assays
Microbial culture and sensitivity: for body fluids, wounds, sampling sites
Bone densitometry, direct or proxy
Radiation, personal dosimetry
Environmental:
Expanded air and water sampling, such that all requirements met by onsite analysis