Quality Control of Red Blood Cell Solutions for Transfusion Transported via Drone Flight to a Remote Island

Autor: Koki Yakushiji, Fumiatsu Yakushiji, Takanori Yokochi, Mikio Murata, Michiyo Nakahara, Naoki Hiroi, Hiroshi Fujita
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2021
Předmět:
Zdroj: Drones, Vol 5, Iss 3, p 96 (2021)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2504-446X
DOI: 10.3390/drones5030096
Popis: Long-distance transoceanic transport of blood using drones has never been reported. This study aimed to prove that blood transportation via drones can meet the rapid demand for blood transfusions anywhere in Japan, including remote islands. We demonstrated the transport of red blood cells (RBCs) packs using a drone over the sea from Sasebo to Arikawa port. Drone operations were conducted visually only at take-off and landing. Cruise flights were conducted via satellite-based remote control from Tokyo. The RBC solutions were transported at 2–6 °C to avoid hemolysis. Hemolysis was assessed visually and by measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels before departure and upon arrival at Tokyo Metropolitan Bokutoh Hospital to evaluate whether RBCs were transfusable. LDH levels of the RBC solutions before and after transport were 57.5 ± 3.1 vs. 64.0 ± 2.9. RBC solutions were transported via air and land from Tokyo to Sasebo and showed no remarkable signs of hemolysis. Remote RBC solution transport by uncrewed helicopters with temperature control is feasible and allows RBC transportation in emergencies involving disrupted land transportation, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals