Bio-Analyzer: Biomedical results from space to Earth
The Bio-Analyzer is a tool the size of a videogame console that astronauts aboard the International Space Station could use to easily test different body fluids such as blood, saliva, and urine. Using just a few drops of liquid—no big needles required—it is designed to quickly returns key biomedical data.
The Bio-Analyzer on the ISS. The Canadian technology was turned on on-orbit for the first time by Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut David Saint-Jacques in . (Credit: CSA/NASA)
Background
In space, astronauts often have to draw multiple tubes of their own blood as part of science experiments. Because room is limited on returning cargo spacecraft, these tubes are commonly brought to Earth for analysis only months later.
Astronauts have to store their blood in a small freezer on the International Space Station. Although it decreases sample quality, freezing remains a necessary step because of the lack of on-board testing options.
The main objective of the Bio-Analyzer was to provide test results from space within two to three hours, thus reducing the need to freeze and return samples.
Objectives
By processing samples on board the International Space Station, the Bio-Analyzer aims to:
- simplify regular blood draws by only requiring a finger prick sample
- maintain the quality of the sample, as it does not need to be frozen
- enable new testing such as specific cell counts
- free up valuable storage space on board the Station and on cargo ships that transport frozen materials back to Earth
Impacts on Earth
The Bio-Analyzer's technology has the potential to improve patient care on Earth. Shorter wait times for test results could improve the lives of thousands of Canadians, notably those who have health conditions like heart disease, anemia, or immune disorders. Frequent blood tests are vital to the management of these illnesses.
The device's portability could help emergency crews working in disaster relief situations. Medical professionals in remote and rural areas could also benefit from this technology to easily and affordably test patients on site.
Blood testing gives doctors and scientists a closer look at many cells and biomarkers in the blood that can be associated with different diseases or disorders. By observing cell numbers and biomarker levels, medical professionals can intervene quickly and prevent serious illness.
Timeline
The Bio-Analyzer was flown to the International Space Station in on a Cygnus cargo ship. CSA astronaut David Saint-Jacques performed tests with the Bio-Analyzer in .
Developers
Honeywell (COM DEV), of Cambridge, Ontario, was the prime contractor for the Bio-Analyzer. They have led the design of the overall system, developed the optical reader for the lab-on-a-chip, and integrated the core subsystems for use in space.
Xiphos Technologies, based in Montreal, Quebec, developed the Q7 computational platform that operates the Bio-Analyzer, runs the bio-analysis programs, and communicates with the International Space Station to transmit test results back to Earth.