5G intelligent airport platform for UAV blood transport in Shenzhen China: a retrospective observational study

Efficient and secure blood transport is critical in healthcare. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, drones) offer potential advantages in timeliness and safety, with more than 10 regions in China having implemented drone-based blood transport. However, challenges remain, including limited visual monitoring and management models constrained by specific drone types and operational conditions. Developing an open, collaborative, and intelligently managed drone transport platform is thus of significant value.

Shenzhen Blood Center utilized 5G technology to enable intelligent closed-loop management of blood distribution, route planning, and emergency dispatch and hospital reception. The system supports real-time temperature monitoring and live video surveillance during flights. By integrating open drone airports and intelligent management systems, the first "5G-enabled Intelligent Airport Platform for Drone Blood Transportation" in China was established, accommodating multiple multi-rotor drone models. Its feasibility and operational effectiveness were systematically evaluated.

As of August 31, 2025, the platform includes two drone systems, 18 routes, and serves 15 hospitals. From January 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025, 11,784 flights transported 8,320.82 kg of blood, including 25,803 U of red blood cells, 3,383 therapeutic doses of platelets, 1,357,733 ml of plasma, and 10,314 U of cryoprecipitate. The cumulative flight time was 178,640.9 min, with an average flight duration of 15.2 min. Compared to ground transport, drones saved an average of 46.8 min (peak) and 32.3 min (off-peak). All blood products met temperature requirements, with no damage or temperature deviations recorded.

This study demonstrates that a 5G-based drone platform reliably supports routine and emergency blood transport, ensuring timeliness and quality. It offers an innovative management model for blood collection and supply institutions. Future efforts will expand routes and coverage, enhance emergency supply capacity, establish a citywide drone blood transportation network and promote the low-altitude economy in healthcare.