Erythrocyte agglutination in microgravity.

This experiment tested a self-contained blood grouping device under microgravity as well as the possibility that gravity could affect the blood grouping reaction. The experiment tested Rh, ABO, and Coombs-sensitized human erythrocytes against their appropriate antisera and diluents. A self-contained device was built which accomplished the agglutination and collected the agglutinates on filter paper. This was flown on the Columbia Space Shuttle on Jan. 12, 1986. The device produced blood agglutinates to several blood groups and the agglutinates were held on filter paper until returned to us by NASA as soon as practical after landing. Both the Rh test and Rh control systems failed because of crystallization within the tubing. The remaining three systems functioned as expected. After comparing these results to similar experiments conducted under full gravity, we conclude that ABO and Coombs-sensitized blood grouping tests do occur under micro-gravity, although the agglutinates formed may be smaller. The use of a closed system for clinical laboratory examination in space is demonstrated.