On Wednesday 20 December 2023, Laboratoires Réunis, Luxembourg Air Ambulance S.A., POST Luxembourg and Santé Services announced their collaboration in an innovative, cutting-edge project to explore the opportunity of transporting medical samples by drones.
Drones are an emerging technology with high potential in healthcare offering healthcare providers new solutions for delivering medical equipment and samples.
In this pioneering and avant-garde project for the Grand Duchy, the four parties involved will examine the potential of using drones for blood sample deliveries. The primary objective is to conduct an in-depth technical feasibility study demonstrating the benefits of this state-of-the-art transportation method, which include:
• Increased speed and security
• Respect the environment
• Reduction of urban congestion
• Facilitated monitoring and monitoring
In July 2023, the four partners created the Luxembourg temporary association called GRIFFIN. Since then, the consortium has actively started its collaboration by selecting the planned test route and the technology to be used.
The route selected for the test flights will consist, after validation by the competent authorities, of the blood sample delivery route between the Kirchberg site of the Robert Schuman Hospitals and the analysis laboratory of Laboratoires Réunis in Junglinster.
The drone used will be the Eiger drone from the Swiss company Rigitech, a drone manufacturer, having proven itself worldwide in similar projects. Their expertise in the design and manufacturing of cutting-edge drones ensures the reliability and safety of transporting blood samples.
The Eiger drone will fly safely at an altitude of between 80 and 120 metres, reaching speeds in excess of 100 km/h.
The technical assessment of the project has started in close collaboration with the relevant authorities and will cover issues of technology, logistics and infrastructure, reliability and security, regulatory compliance and training. The test flight phase is planned for the second half of 2024 subject to approval of the protocols by the competent authorities.
The four parties involved bring their expertise in each of their fields to this innovative pilot project for the Grand Duchy. The ultimate objective is to translate the theoretical developments of the feasibility study into practical applications.
• Laboratoires Réunis provides its expertise in advanced medical diagnostics and rigorous management of the transport of biological samples in compliance with the requirements of applicable standards. In addition, their strategic contribution to the development of future infrastructures for the landing and take-off of drones guarantees the integrity and reliability of the results within optimized deadlines.
• Luxembourg Air Ambulance S.A. (LAA) will provide its expertise in aviation, assuming responsibility as project manager and spokesperson, certified drone operator, management of ground operations, flights and maintenance. In addition, LAA will supervise risk studies, permit applications and regulatory analyses.
• POST Luxembourg provides its expertise in mobile connectivity and in particular its 5G network covering more than 96% of Luxembourg territory. POST’s 5G network allows, through network slicing, to virtually partition the network to give priority to certain critical segments. Thus a 5G link with superior and secure quality of service guarantees the connectivity of the drone to locate itself and communicate in real time with the surveillance systems to transmit the route data and constants of the object transported, such as, for example, the evolution of the temperature of the blood sample.
• Santé Services S.A.: As a member of the Robert Schuman Hospitals (HRS) group, it supports innovation in the service of patients and healthcare professionals. Its activities include the coordination of catering, project management as well as the implementation of cutting-edge consulting solutions aimed at operational excellence.
"At Laboratoires Réunis, we are firmly committed to supporting innovation projects that strengthen our service to patients. This project represents a great opportunity for us to actively contribute to the development of health services. We believe this initiative marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide high-quality and innovative healthcare" stated Prof. Dr. Bernard Weber, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Managing Director, and Dr. Stéphane Tholl, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director.
"This initiative to transport medical samples by drones is perfectly in line with the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit of Luxembourg Air Ambulance, thus demonstrating our continued commitment to implementing cutting-edge health logistics solutions to optimally serve patients" stated Frank Halmes CEO, Jérôme Pin DCEO.
Cliff Konsbruck, director of POST Telecom explained "The use of drones for the delivery of all types of objects constitutes real development potential within the different sectors of activity of the POST group. The Griffin project fits perfectly into POST's strategy and desire to support and contribute to the development of innovative technological initiatives exploiting the new functionalities brought by 5G in Luxembourg and internationally."
Marc Glesener, Managing Director and Caroline Pirson, CEO of Santé Services S.A. specified “Supporting innovation projects in the field of health is of crucial importance for Santé Services. Delivering biological samples and medicines by drone transport is a revolutionary approach offering a solution to the logistical challenges that sometimes hinder rapid and efficient access. Additionally, the use of drones helps reduce logistics costs and minimize transportation risks. Encouraging innovation in the healthcare sector allows us to help not only improve the quality of care, but also to anticipate and solve the changing needs of patients."
