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A Standardized Protocol for Medical Specimen Delivery by Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles in Multi-Campus Hospitals
Xiaoyan Dai1, Xiaoling Zeng1, Ying Zou2
1Logistics Support Department, Zigong First People's Hospital.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|August 3, 2026
Summary
Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) networks offer efficient medical specimen transport, reducing delivery times by two-thirds and costs by 62%. This protocol enables scalable, safe, and cost-effective drone logistics for healthcare institutions.
Area of Science:
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Healthcare Technology
- Aerospace Engineering
Background:
- Urban traffic congestion and traditional transport delays impede efficient medical specimen delivery across hospital networks.
- Existing logistics systems face challenges in speed, safety, and cost-effectiveness for time-sensitive medical samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline a comprehensive methodology for establishing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based medical logistics system.
- To detail a standardized framework for rapid, safe, and cost-effective specimen delivery in complex urban environments.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative demand assessment and strategic partnership modeling.
- Flight route planning, regulatory airspace approval, UAV selection, and base station construction.
- Standardized personnel training, trial operations, and emergency response mechanism development.
Main Results:
- Successful establishment of a three-campus UAV network at a tertiary hospital.
- Reduced average transport time by nearly two-thirds (66.7%).
- Decreased operational costs by 62% with a 100% specimen integrity rate.
Conclusions:
- The developed protocol provides a replicable framework for implementing smart, low-altitude medical logistics networks.
- UAV-based systems significantly improve efficiency and reduce costs in inter-campus medical specimen transportation.
- This methodology enables healthcare institutions to overcome urban logistical challenges with advanced drone technology.
