Case Study of Transporting Blood Components Using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to evaluate the effect of transportation of leucoreduced erythrocyte suspension (LES) using a rotary-type unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (drone); to determine its application and use in clinical practice after transportation on a drone. Materials and research methods. Transportation of 6 doses of LES with a volume of 260 to 300 ml using a rotary-type UAV was performed. Before and after transportation suitability of blood components for clinical use was determined; the number of erythrocytes, platelets, leukocytes, free hemoglobin, and hematocrit were estimated. We evaluated the speed of blood component delivery by automobile transport during the period of minimal traffic in St. Petersburg. The speed of delivery by automobile transport was compared with the estimated speed of delivery by UAV. Study results and their analysis. Changes in the indices of LES laboratory tests after transportation by UAV of rotor type were not statistically significant and remained within the norms. Transportation of blood components by motor transport takes more time than their delivery by drone under metropolitan conditions — (15 min 17 s ± 39,3 s) and 5 min 46 s, respectively. The results of the pilot study demonstrated the suitability of using LES in clinical practice after its transportation by rotor-type UAV. In addition, delivery of blood components and other medical drugs by drones in metropolitan areas can be performed much faster and will be more cost-effective than transportation by road transport.