In-Situ Monitoring of Immune Function

Monitoring the health and wellness of mission pilots is a critically important function. Space flight has an adverse effect on the human immune response. During space flight the immune system weakens and some herpes viruses that are typically latent begin to appear in the saliva. Currently, saliva samples are taken in space and preserved for post flight assay. The presence of reactivated herpes virus in saliva samples is an indication of a weakening immune defense. RST Bioscience LLC proposes an innovative in flight assay to monitor the efficacy of the immune system in-situ.RST Bioscience has designed a test that is perfectly suited for space flight. The test will be small, light weight and easy to use. The sample used in this test will be saliva, which can be easily collected through non-invasive means. Results are delivered in minutes to hours. The test is sterile and disposable, used sample is contained and disposed of along with the disposable kit. There is no heavy equipment needed to process samples or read results. The kit is self-contained. Phase 1 will focus on assay development. In phase 2 we will build and test a prototype of the disposable delivery device.