Deloitte, Rady Children’s Institute for Genomic Medicine examining benefits of using UAS to deliver medical samples

January 22, 2020 | AUVSI News

Deloitte and Rady Children’s Institute for Genomic Medicine (RCIGM) have announced that they are looking into how drone technology can help cut the time it takes to get medical samples to the laboratory.

The plan would be for UAS to fly genomic testing specimens to the lab to get results back to acutely ill babies and children in a quicker fashion.

“Through our work with RCIGM, we’ve seen firsthand their intense passion for helping children with rare disease, and their dedication to discovering advancements to improve patient care,” says Josh Nelson, principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP, who leads Deloitte’s work with RCIGM.

“This UAS project is an innovation to speed transport and delivery of samples to their lab. Together with RCIGM, we plan to go from strategy to testing to operational and develop a blueprint for other health care organizations to use.”

Currently, the project is in its planning stages. Before the technology is adopted for regular use, funding and successful testing must be completed.

In coordination with the FAA, Deloitte and RCIGM will conduct tests to validate that UAS can be used safely for these operations. The project team will take into consideration the various medical and technical requirements associated with these operations, including temperature control and flight safety during deliveries. The UAS program will need to comply with all FAA regulations governing San Diego’s airspace.

“This technology opens many possibilities for providing faster diagnosis for a variety of needs. Coupling rapid sequencing tests with rapid sample transport will speed the time to precise treatment and reduce the period of uncertainty both for providers and the parents of our patients,” Dr. Kingsmore says.

“More babies’ and children’s lives can be saved – this [is] what drives us.”