Blood packs have been successfully transported by drone in a series of “beyond visual line of sight” flights, marking the first time such a feat has been accomplished in the UK.
The research study, jointly conducted by NHS Blood and Transplant and the medical logistics company Apian, aimed to evaluate the viability of drone transport for blood delivery.
Over the course of the trial, 10 units of packed red blood cells were flown across a 68km route over Northumbria, while an identical set of 10 units was delivered by road.
Post-flight analysis revealed no significant difference in the biochemical or haematological profiles of the blood transported by drone compared to that transported by road, indicating that the usability of the blood was not compromised during delivery.
The trial is part of a broader series of NHS initiatives to explore the feasibility and safety of using drones for medical deliveries, which could offer faster and more environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional...