Stability of Hemolytic, Lipemic, and Icteric Indices in Blood Samples Transported by Drone: A Focused Report.

Background: Maintaining blood sample integrity is essential for accurate laboratory diagnostics. The hemolytic, lipemic, and icteric (HIL) indices are critical markers of sample quality, detecting common preanalytical interferences such as hemolysis, lipemia, and icterus. Drone technology offers a novel transport method for medical logistics, particularly in remote or underserved regions. This study assessed the stability of HIL indices in blood samples transported by drone.

Methods: Twenty-five samples each of serum, EDTA whole blood, lithium-heparin plasma, and citrate plasma were collected from healthy volunteers using standard venipuncture techniques. Serum samples were collected in gel separator tubes. Samples were transported unprocessed using a rotor-type hybrid drone (Jedsy Glider) over a 25-kilometer route. Temperature and vibration were monitored during flight using data loggers and accelerometers. HIL indices were measured preflight and postflight using a Roche Cobas 6000 system. Paired t-tests assessed significant changes (P < 0.05).

Results: No statistically significant differences were observed in the HIL indices preflight and postflight for all blood sample types. For serum samples, the hemolytic index decreased slightly from 9.60 to 9.45 (P = 0.19), with negligible changes in lipemic and icteric indices. Similar stability was observed for EDTA whole blood, lithium-heparin plasma, and citrate plasma.

Conclusions: Drone transport is a viable alternative for blood sample logistics, preserving HIL index stability across various sample types. These findings underscore the potential of drones to enhance healthcare logistics in remote or underserved environments.

Research Ethics: This study was conducted as a quality assurance project for the Institute of Clinical Chemistry at Dr. Risch, Buchs, Switzerland. The Ethics Committee Ostschweiz reviewed the study under BASEC-ID Req-2024-01510 and determined that it does not fall within the scope of the Swiss Human Research Act and therefore does not require formal ethics committee approval. This determination was based on the project's designation as a quality assurance initiative rather than a human research study. As per the committee's guidance, data protection and confidentiality were strictly maintained throughout the study, ensuring compliance with all relevant legal and institutional requirements.