John Hopkins researchers prove drone transportation is safe up to approximately 30 minutes in air

Orange County, CA - December 8th 2016 - In a proof-of-concept study, John Hopkins researchers have established that sizable quantities of blood products are able to preserve their needed temperature and cellular integrity while being transported by drones. Published in Transfusions, research presents evidence that remotely piloted drones are capable of safely transporting these materials in an efficient and timely manner.

 Using drones to transport the blood products used in daily procedures, such as transfusions, could impact the lives of individuals living in distant areas or those affected by crises.

 "For rural areas that lack access to nearby clinics, or that may lack the infrastructure for collecting blood products or transporting them on their own, drones can provide that access," said Timothy Amukele, the paper's first author and an assistant professor of pathology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

John Hopkins researchers prove drone transportation is safe up to approximately 30 minutes in air

A previous study conducted by the research team examining the impact on chemical, hematological, and microbial makeup of blood samples from drone transportation, found no negative impression. This more recent study, examined much larger quantities of blood product requiring an extensive amount of storage, transport, and handling requirements.

6 units of red blood cells, platelets, and unthawed plasma each were packed into a 5-quart cooler, adhering to weight restrictions, and attached to the commercial S900-model drone. In each test the drone was remotely flown approximately 8 to 12 miles, 100 meters in the air. The packaging method’s capability in maintaining blood product temperature was tested over the course of flight, lasting up to 30 minutes.

Flown by certified ground-based pilots, these tests transpired over unpopulated areas. The drones transferred the products within coolers containing wet ice, pre-calibrated thermal packs, and dry ice. During flight temperature within the cooler was monitored to ensure preservation of quality.

Once on the ground again, samples were taken to Johns Hopkins Hospital where red blood cells were centrifuged in the institution’s laboratories to inspect for damage, platelet numbers, changes in pH, and any evidence of air bubbles in the plasma, which would imply thawing. Results indicated that the trip was successful with no significant effect on the samples.

The next step in testing for Amukele‘s team will involve drones bearing larger amounts of blood product across ample distances, with no adverse effects on the samples.  The team is interested in testing an active cooling method in which the cooler will be programmable, keeping temperatures constant.

With the objective of expeditiously equipping  first responders with all necessary onsite materials, the team continues their research on drone transportation.

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John Hopkins researchers prove drone transportation is safe up to approximately 30 minutes in air Orange County, CA – December 8th 2016 – In a proof-of-concept study, John Hopkins researchers have established that sizable quantities of blood products are able to preserve their needed temperature and cellular integrity while being transported by drones. Published in Transfusions, research […]