Northwestern Medicine is testing drone deliveries at Delnor Hospital in Geneva, Ill., in collaboration with Valqari.
The pilot project aims to assess the feasibility of using drones to transport medical specimens and supplies between hospital sites, with Delnor being one of the first hospitals in the U.S. to trial drones for intersite deliveries, according to an Oct. 21 news release from the health system.
Specimens such as blood samples are often transported between campuses by couriers or hospital staff, which can delay lab results and patient care. The drones fly between Delnor Hospital and the Delnor Cancer Center across the street.
They are programmed to fly autonomously, with a pilot present to monitor the flights and make deliveries of blood products and other supplies, reducing wait times for patients, especially those in need of same-day blood transfusions, the release said.
The project operates under Federal Aviation Administration guidelines, which require drones to stay within line of sight and fly only within the Delnor campus area. However, the FAA is expected to expand regulations in 2025, which could allow for broader use of drones across Northwestern Medicine's network.