New Diagnostic Aids (Space Stat 20)

About this technology

Overview

Electro-Nucleonics, Inc. used NASA technology to create the Space Stat 20. This is a compact instrument which determines sodium and potassium levels of a blood sample. A very small blood sample, less than a milliliter, is injected into the machine where an electrode converts ionized calcium concentration directly into an electrical signal. In less than three minutes the value appears on a digital display. Device uses whole blood. Speed of operation is important where rapid analysis is essential, for instance during surgery. Companion system, Space Stat 30, determines sodium and potassium levels of a whole blood sample in first 48 seconds. Gemeni (new chemical testing instrument) can determine a broad range of blood components, and test up to 20 blood samples simultaneously. Punch card programmed, it can make 12 tests of each sample. It can accomplish in 30 seconds what it would take 15 to 20 minutes by manual methods.