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To aid planning for the storage of supplies onboard Space Station Freedom, an estimate was made of the amount of intravenous (IV) fluids required to support a patient who has suffered a medical emergency for a period of up to 10 days. Six different medical scenarios were evaluated, and the volume of IV fluids required for each scenario was estimated. Up to 220 liters of fluid would be required to support a patient for all of the scenarios. When optimizing the volumes to support any single scenario, a total of 123 liters is required. Use of a water polishing system to produce sterile water for injection from potable supplies and on-station formulation of IV fluids results in a smaller mass and volume requirement for the Fluid Therapy Subsystem than carrying prepackaged bags of fluid.

INTRODUCTION: The concept of a critical care capability in space implies the ability to deliver appropriate intravenous fluids to an ill or injured crew member. Mass and volume constraints preclude carrying sufficient quantities of the various solutions necessary for a 45 day support period. Investigations were undertaken to develop a system for preparation of solutions on-orbit for medical use. Further studies have investigated mechanisms of delivery of the intravenous infusion to a patient. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fluid production is the result of several development contracts. Hardware was evaluated to determine their suitability to produce sterile water for injection, and parenteral solutions as described in the United states Pharmacopeia, Volume XXI. Testing was designed to determine the limits of the devices. Evaluations of candidate intravenous infusion pumps were undertaken in the laboratory to characterize the devices.