LABORATORY MEDICINE 



Craig L, Fischer, M.D. 

 Pathologist and Chief, Clinical Laboratories 



Carolyn S. Leach, Ph.D. 

 Endocrine Laboratory Section 



W. Carter Alexander, Ph.D. 



Deputy Chief, Clinical Laboratories 



of 



Preventive Medicine Division 



NASA Manned Spacecraft Center, Houston, Texas 



ABSTRACT 



Detailed blood analyses were accomplished in support of 

 Project TEKTITE II. Specific emphasis was placed on 

 hematological, biochemical and endocrinological para- 

 meters. Samples were acquired pre and postdive only in 

 six, 50-foot, two-week dives. The resulting data supports 

 previous findings of ~ TEKTITE I„ No significant changes 

 were observed. 



INTRODUCTION 



The Laboratory Medicine evaluat ion was undertaken to detect any significant 

 adaptive or pathologic changes in a population of divers exposed for two weeks 

 at a depth of 50 feet, breathing an 8% O2, 92% N2 gas mixture. The specific 

 techniques used were similar to those used in support of Project TEKTITE I; 

 however, the diver population was significantly larger and an endocrine evalu- 

 ation was added. 



OBJECTIVES 



The overall objectives were: 



(a) Documentation of participating crew members physical qualifications, 

 related to the dive, and detect problems which could require remedial or 

 preventive action. 



(b) Information relative to the etiology, time course and extent of any 

 alterations in red cell mass and/or leukocyte function. 



(c) Information referable to the humoral and cellular components of 

 immunity from crew members exposed to the rigors of long-term saturation 

 diving. 



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