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The rHEALTH technology is a fully integrated universal biomedical analysis sensor that we have developed to shrink a hospital laboratory to a small, point-of-care medical device for space applications. This means being able to perform a plethora of biomedical analyses with a single drop of blood or bodily fluid. This large level of multiplexing is in contrast to traditional tests which require vials of blood, large machines, and a hospital staff. We completed a full prototype of the rHEALTH sensor and tested it onboard zero and lunar gravity flights as part of the 2010 Facilitated Access to the Space Environment for Technology. These tests demonstrate the rHEALTH technology in a space-relevant environment. The rHEALTH's unique capabilities are enabled by a combination of microfluidics, high sensitivity fluorescence optics, and reagents called nanostrips. The device can perform a breadth of hematology, chemistry, and biomarker assays, including those for monitoring bone-loss and other spaceflight relevant medical conditions. The technology is timely since it addresses diminished sample return capabilities from the International Space Station occurring with the retirement of the Space Shuttle. The rHEALTH technology also allows for routine biomedical analysis on long-duration missions to Near Earth Objects and Mars. |