Using drones for blood transport is a cutting-edge concept gaining traction worldwide, with Quebec at the forefront of research. A recent study from Concordia University has shed light on the potential of drones in swiftly delivering blood donations from collection sites to labs.
PhD student Amirhossein Abbaszadeh and associate professor Hossein Hashemi Doulabi explored how drones could assist mobile blood collection units. Their innovative model envisions drones taking off from mobile units, traveling to multiple collection points, and shuttling blood samples to the laboratory.
In a case study focused on Quebec City, researchers identified 13 potential collection points, highlighting drones as a faster and more efficient means of blood transport compared to ground methods.
While drones have shown promise, they may not be an immediate priority for blood banks. Héma-Québec researcher Danny Brouard emphasized the logistical challenges of using drones for mobile blood drives, citing the efficiency of traditional transportation methods for larger donation volumes.
Despite the current focus on traditional transport, Héma-Québec is dedicated to enhancing blood product transport through innovative solutions. The organization’s ongoing challenge involves optimizing transport containers to maintain blood products at precise temperatures amid Quebec’s extreme climate variations.
By perfecting these “smart” transport boxes, Héma-Québec aims to improve traceability and operational efficiency in blood product processing. While drones may not be on the immediate horizon for blood transport in Quebec, advancements in transport technology remain a key area of interest for the future.
Keyphrase: Blood Transport Drones
