A new project shows that drones can be safely used to deliver blood urgently between hospitals.

Researchers at NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) sent 10 identical blood packs from Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s Wansbeck Hospital to Alnwick Infirmary in Northumberland and back.

Half of them were transported by drone and the remaining five by road, and the researchers concluded that delivering blood by drone had no effect on the quality or shelf life of the blood.

Dr Gail Mifflin, chief medical officer for NHSBT, said: “The results of this first trial are very promising, with no compromise to the safety of the blood.”

In a carefully planned trip with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the drone travelled 42 miles (68 km) in 61 minutes off the Northumberland coast.

NHSBT, which carried out the study in collaboration with medical logistics company Appian, said the drone journey was classed as “flight beyond visual line of sight”, meaning the pilot could not see the drone during the journey.

The ground vehicles took the 46-mile (74.6 km) route, which took 68 minutes.

The drone route was not the most direct available route, so distances would actually be shorter and travel times would be shorter.

Each pack was then analysed to assess the quality of the blood and to see if it was still suitable for medical use.

No significant differences were found in the biochemical or hematological profiles of blood collected by flying or transport.

Dr. Mifflin described the findings as “exciting.”

He added, “Technology is advancing rapidly and we are keen to explore how innovative technology can support our wider logistics operations in the future and make them more carbon-free.”

Hammad Jelani, Medical Director at Appian, said: “We are pleased that the trial has clearly demonstrated that drone delivery of blood packs is feasible and safe, reinforcing the potential for drones to deliver critical healthcare supplies to patients at the right time and with fewer emissions.”

A similar test is planned for blood platelets too.

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