Anti-Doping Agency Tests Drone Delivery of Blood Samples

The International Testing Agency (ITA) has conducted a pioneering test of drone technology to transport blood samples used in anti-doping controls, with a drone covering approximately 1,000 kilometres across Alaska.

The trial aimed to determine whether blood samples could retain their characteristics during such a long journey and whether drones could provide an additional transport option, particularly in remote areas or when laboratories require rapid sample delivery.

“We are examining whether drone technology can provide a reliable additional option for transporting samples over long distances or in challenging areas,” said ITA Director General Benjamin Cohen.

For the research, researchers divided blood samples from healthy volunteers into two groups. The drone transported one group, while the second remained as a control group. Special sensors recorded temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, vibrations and acceleration throughout the flight.

Researchers will assess the data to determine whether the transport conditions affected the biomarkers used in laboratory analyses for anti-doping purposes.

The heavy-duty autonomous aircraft, manufactured by Windracers, completed the flight on August 19, travelling from the municipal airport in Nenana with operational support from the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration (ACUASI).

The trial follows a smaller study conducted in Doha in 2022, when drones transported blood samples over distances of up to 20 kilometres.

The ITA stressed that the research does not aim to replace existing methods of transporting samples. Instead, it seeks to examine whether drones could provide an additional option for specific circumstances.

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