Effects of passenger airplane transport on blood

Abstract

Objective: We examined the effects of passenger air transport by regular airplanes for air transportation on blood for transfusion. Materials and methods: Irradiated red blood cell (RBC) solutions were transported by regular passenger airplanes which and were static in the cabin during the flight. Blood samples were evaluated visually and biochemically before and after transport. Hemolysis of the transported samples was compared to that of the non-transported ones. The vibration in the airplanes was also measured using a vibration data logger. Results: There was no significant hemolysis of RBCs during airplane transport. The vibration in the airplane was lower than that in automobiles. The temperature in the active transport refrigerator (ATR) room was maintained at 2−6°C. There was no significant hemolysis of RBCs during the two transport routes. Conclusion: Temperature-controlled air transport of blood transport in the ATR 700 airplane maintained a the blood at a good quality that rendered blood it fit for blood transfusion.

Airborne! UAV delivery of blood products and medical logistics for combat zones

“…37 These results have been corroborated in the only fixedwing airplane study to date from 2020 where Yakushiji et al demonstrated no changes in blood product quality following airplane transport. 38 A subsequent 2021 study by Selleng et al further demonstrated that helicopter transport does not negatively impact both plasma and red blood cell quality for transfusion purposes. 39…”

Blood transportation using multi-vehicle systems; optimal blood transport temperature in terms of hemolysis

“…27 Additionally, it has been reported that blood transported by commercial aircrafts in a temperature-controlled refrigerator does not get degraded, and the vibration during transport is clearly less than that during transport by automobiles. 28 Furthermore, using LD-based assessments, bullet trains and Jetfoils (high-speed vessel) have also been examined for their feasibility of use in blood transportation. 25,27,28 For the remaining vehicles, our suggestions are made based on previously unpublished LD-based data.…”

“…28 Furthermore, using LD-based assessments, bullet trains and Jetfoils (high-speed vessel) have also been examined for their feasibility of use in blood transportation. 25,27,28 For the remaining vehicles, our suggestions are made based on previously unpublished LD-based data.…”

“…Yakushiji et al showed that the vibrations generated on passenger planes were less than those for land transportation modes and other modes of transportation. 28 Fewer vibrations were recorded in drones than in other modes of transportation. (data not shown).…”