Investigation of Materials and Methods for Air Delivery of Whole Blood and Blood Products

The present standard shipping box has proved reliable over the years for long-distance shipment. However, the standard unit, when subjected to such maximum stresses as free fall air drop, did not provide very good physical protection to the blood units. The use of either chute, or additional packing made of foam or air bubble material, did provide more protection. A newly developed shipping box of foam, though slightly more protective, did better with additional material. A different type of container, in the form of an air pillow, did protect the blood units in free fall delivery. However, this form of container was limited in space, holding only 1 to 5 units, did not provide any temperature protection, and was not physically suitable for long-distance shipping. An additional problem was noted in that the blood bag was particularly vulnerable to trauma when cold, even in the air pillow. Similarly, the plastic unit containing frozen plasma was easily broken during shipment. However, use of the air bubble material around each unit was more protective, permitting long-term shipment of this item.