On Wednesday, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) completed a trial run of blood bag delivery using drones as part of its iDrone initiative. The first-of-its-kind validation study was conducted by the ICMR in collaboration with Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC), the Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS), Greater Noida, and the Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT), Noida.

A statement released by the Health Ministry revealed that the inaugural trial flight carried 10 units of whole blood samples from the GIMS and LHMC in a visual line of sight. The release also added that LHMC and GIMS are included as centers for supplying blood bags and testing the samples, whereas JIIT was included as an implementation center for drone sorties.

Additionally, the official release reported that the scientists undertook the process of protocol development, study design, implementation, and coordination of the project. Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General, ICMR, stated that along with the sample sent via drone, they sent another sample through an ambulance.

He added that this step was taken to determine if there was any difference between the two samples sent using the two modes. Furthermore, he also revealed that scientists from the LHMC, GIMS, and JIIT will be conducting additional trials via drone flights to validate the quality of packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and platelets.

The statement also noted that the study results will provide scientific data to analyze the impact of drone transportation on blood products. It added that these results will be used to establish a standard operating procedure (SOP) for broader use.

(Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/icmr-conducts-successful-trial-run-of-blood-bag-delivery-under-idrone-initiative/article66835394.ece )