NHS Blood and Transplant has conducted trials comparing the clinical feasibility of blood transported via road and unmanned aircraft in north-east England, with leadership describing the results as ‘very promising’
The NHS has conducted trials that have demonstrated the viability of delivering blood via drone over distances of more than 40 miles.
An exercise run by national body NHS Blood and Transplant, in partnership with medical logistics specialist Apian, transported five blood packs via drone, and another five via road. The journeys were round trips of around 42 miles from Wansbeck Hospital to Alnwick Infirmary and back again. Both facilities are part of the Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
After the trips had been completed, the contents of packs – which were randomly assigned to either drone or road travel – was “analysed to assess factors including concentration of potassium and the percentage of… destruction of the blood cells”, according to NHSBT.
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“Results showed that drone delivery did not influence the blood’s quality or longevity and therefore could be used as a safe mode of transport,” the health-service unit added. “Both sets remained viable, with no significant difference in the biochemical or haematological profiles of the blood, which determine if it has maintained quality and can be used for clinical purposes.”
The route taken by the drones – which “was carefully planned with the Civil Aviation Authority” supporting NHSBT – included travel over the sea and inland areas. The trip was about 4 miles shorter and, at 61 minutes, also seven minutes quicker than the road journey.
“For the purposes of the study, the drone’s travel path was not the most direct possible – distances would be shorter and travel times significantly quicker in a real-world setting,” NHSBT said.
The packs included in this exercise contained blood cells. Further trials are planned to explore drone transport for platelets.
Gail Miflin, chief medical officer at NHS Blood and Transplant, said that “the results of this first trial are very promising, showing no compromise to the safety of the blood”.
She added: “Technology is advancing rapidly and we are keen to examine how innovative technology, such as that Apian offers, may be able to support and further decarbonise our extensive logistics operations in the future.”
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