Drones have successfully delivered blood packs across Northumbria, a first in the UK, as per a study by NHS Blood and Transplant and logistics firm Apian.

The research tested blood's quality after a 68km drone flight, compared to conventional road transport, with promising results noticed on September 15.

During 10 journeys between Northumbria Healthcare's Wansbeck Hospital and Alnwick Infirmary, both sets remained viable, with no significant difference in the blood's quality or longevity.

As an environmentally friendly and quicker alternative to road transport, drones could potentially be a safe mode of transporting medical supplies, given proper regulatory compliance.

A exploratory trial for platelets is forthcoming.

Gail Miflin, chief medical officer at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "We’re excited to be a part of this joint study with Apian, by supplying and testing the blood used, to see if blood would maintain its suitability for transfusion when flown further than ever before via drone.

"The results of this first trial are very promising, showing no compromise to the safety of the blood.

"Technology is advancing rapidly and we are keen to examine how innovative technology, such as that Apian offers, may be able to support and further decarbonise our extensive logistics operations in the future."