Drone-based logistics for laboratory specimens: technological evolution and institutional logic_West China Medical Journal

Authors：

TAO Wei ¹ ,  YAN Hong ²

1. General Affairs Office, Maigaoqiao Branch of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011, P. R. China;
2. Medical Affairs Department, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011, P. R. China;

Corresponding?author：

YAN Hong, Email: yanhong@njmu.edu.cn

Keywords：

Drone; laboratory specimen; medical logistics; quality control; standardization

DOI：

10.7507/1002-0179.202607041

Video：

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Abstract Full text Figures/Tables Video References Cited by

Drone-based logistics for laboratory specimens represents an emerging solution to the transportation bottleneck in multi-campus hospitals. This review summarizes the effects of drone transport on specimen stability, the current status of standards and regulations, and the institutional logic driving its rapid adoption in China. Available evidence suggests that, with appropriate shock absorption and temperature control, the impact on most laboratory parameters remains clinically acceptable. However, vibration-sensitive items, such as urine leukocyte count and lactate dehydrogenase, warrant attention. The diffusion of this technology in China is dominated by mimetic and coercive isomorphism, while independent cost-effectiveness data remain insufficient. Priorities include multicenter validation of specimen stability, the development of national standards, and the implementation of a mandatory incident reporting system.

Citation： TAO Wei, YAN Hong. Drone-based logistics for laboratory specimens: technological evolution and institutional logic. West China Medical Journal, 2026, 41(8): 1349-1354. doi: 10.7507/1002-0179.202607041 Copy

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