Drone Transport of Chemistry and Hematology Samples Over Long Distances

Amukele, Timothy; Hernandez, James D.; Snozek, Christine L.H.; Wyatt, Ryan; Douglas, Molly; Amini, Richard; Street, Jeff

doi:10.1093/ajcp/aqx090

Cited by 80 publications

(61 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…The UAV conveyance of transfusion material has been discussed in various medical and technology settings, but studies are limited by using data from only one flight [2]. In addition, data regarding the evaluation of blood samples, blood glucose, and change in K level suggests that these may be affected by a long-distance flights [12]. In the end, the question surrounding the hemolysis of transfusion material is the key information needed for successful transportation.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Quality of Blood is not Affected by Drone Transport: An Evidential Study of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Conveyance of Transfusion Material in Japan

Yakushiji

Murata

et al. 2020

Drones

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Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, are used in Rwanda for transfusion transport, but they have not yet been used in Japan. This technology holds promise for transporting medical supplies during disasters or to remote places where the terrain makes it difficult to travel by land. One of the difficulties in using UAVs is the temperature-control requirements for red blood cell (RBC) solutions, i.e., 2 °C to 6 °C according to Japanese regulations. This study aimed to describe the effectiveness of UAV-based transport of RBC solution. For testing, we gradually increased the UAV travel distance, monitored the temperature of the RBC solution, and conducted laboratory tests to check the integrity of the blood sample. Lactate dehydrogenase (LD) was used as a hemolytic index to indicate the effect of the UAV flight on the blood samples. The UAV was able to exceed 7 km of travel distance despite the relatively heavy load needed for the RBC solution storage. The LD level was not significantly different between the flight and non-flight (control) samples. However, we were not able to completely maintain a temperature of 2 °C to 6 °C; nonetheless, the deviation was within the safe range.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Quality of Blood is not Affected by Drone Transport: An Evidential Study of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Conveyance of Transfusion Material in Japan

Yakushiji

Murata

et al. 2020

Drones

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show abstract

“…These were higher in the flown samples. It is thought to be most likely due to higher temperature exposure during flight . Consequently, it is recommended that there be rigorous temperature management in drone payload compartments.…”

Section: Laboratory Testingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Aerial drones for blood delivery

2019

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Aerial drone technology is now in use to improve medical care, especially blood delivery. The use of aerial drones is broader than just this and includes aerial photography, express shipping and delivery, disaster management, search and rescue operations, crop monitoring, weather tracking, law enforcement, and structural assessment. This wide use promises to accelerate and, ideally, reduce the cost of technological advances of drones. By doing so, drone use offers the opportunity of improving health care, particularly in remote and/or underserved environments by decreasing lab testing turnaround times, enabling just‐in‐time lifesaving medical supply/device delivery, and reducing costs of routine prescription care in rural areas.

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“…Drone transport of chemistry and hematology samples over long distances (61) Current state of drones ion healthcare: Challenges and Opportunities (62) Transportation of laboratory specimens does not affect the accuracy of routine chemistry, hematology, and coagulation tests results, except slightly poorer precision. Changes in glucose and potassium were consistent with the magnitude and duration of the temperature difference between flown and stationary samples.…”

Section: Resource-limited Settings Southern Africamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Pilot studies show feasibility of drones for specimen transport (59)(60)(61)(62) and instruments for rapid pathogen detection during flight (63). Zipline (https://flyzipline.com/) UAVs supply blood, vaccines, and drugs throughout Ghana and Rwanda in Africa.…”

Section: Alternate Care Facilities; Roamingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Geospatial Science and Point-of-Care Testing: Creating Solutions for Population Access, Emergencies, Outbreaks, and Disasters

Kost

2019

Front. Public Health

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Impact: Geospatial solutions generate inherently optimal and logical placement of POCT conceptually, physically, and temporally as a means to improve crisis response and spatial resilience. If public health professionals, geospatial scientists, and POCT specialists join forces, new collaborative teamwork can create faster response and higher impact during disasters, complex crises, outbreaks, and epidemics, as well as more efficient primary, urgent, and emergency community care.

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Drone Transport of Chemistry and Hematology Samples Over Long Distances

Abstract: The changes in glucose and potassium are consistent with the magnitude and duration of the temperature difference between the flown and stationary samples. Long drone flights of biological samples are feasible but require stringent environmental controls to ensure consistent results.

Cited by 80 publications

References 9 publications

The Quality of Blood is not Affected by Drone Transport: An Evidential Study of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Conveyance of Transfusion Material in Japan

The Quality of Blood is not Affected by Drone Transport: An Evidential Study of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Conveyance of Transfusion Material in Japan

Aerial drones for blood delivery

Geospatial Science and Point-of-Care Testing: Creating Solutions for Population Access, Emergencies, Outbreaks, and Disasters

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