Every second counts when your life is on the line. The successful transport and delivery of blood and medical supplies is the first priority to doctors. What can deliver blood to hard-to-reach areas quickly and without traffic jams? Drones!  

For the first time in the UK, a series of ´Beyond visual line of sight´ (BVLOS) drones successfully transported ten units of packed blood cells. A research study collaboration between NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) and medical logistics company APIAN tested these drones to deliver blood packs on 68 km journey.  

The trials showed a big success with the blood packs maintaining quality and can be used for clinical purposes without problems. Further analysis was done to check the potassium concentration and haemolysis percentage in the blood, showing that drone trials have no effect on the blood´s quality. Additionally, aerial delivery showed to be more efficient than road travel.  

The drones travelled 68km in 61 minutes, flying from the coastline over the sea and back in land. Surprisingly, the road travel took 68 minutes, which is more time than drones which travelled in an indirect travel path and did not have the same trajectory.

UK´s first beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operation to transport blood packs by drones was secured and monitored by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), authorising airspace and assessing the safety measures.  

Further trial will contain platelets delivery.

‍