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Author Medi-Ops Team Categories Courier Services

Ways Last-Mile Medical Delivery is Improving

Online retail sales have evolved from an oddity to the norm over the last decade. As with other sectors, it has also transformed the healthcare industry. According to the US Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), home health spending will rise from $103 billion to $173 billion by 2026. This will mark a 78 % increase in spending in less than a decade. The increase in home health spending signals an excellent investment opportunity for medical organizations. However, it comes with a unique set of challenges concerning last-mile medical delivery. 

Therefore, as organizations compete to enhance efficiency, cut costs, and increase market share, there have been some notable advancements in the area. 

Read on to learn how last-mile courier shipping in the medical sector is evolving and how you can capitalize on it. 

The Challenges of Last Mile Medical Deliveries

Before delving into the change in last-mile medical delivery, it’s first important to understand the challenges. To begin with, it’s vital to appreciate that in addition to the general last-mile delivery challenges, the medical sector has some unique ones. 

This is largely due to the time sensitivity of the deliveries, the nature of products, and potential risks. In simple terms, a delayed or failed delivery has greater ramifications for all parties. So, it comes with a lot of pressure. 

  • Special Handling – Many pharmaceutical products require special handling and specific conditions such as low temperatures to be maintained throughout. If not, they will spoil or become ineffective.
  • Additional Skill Requirements – Beyond driving, medical sector delivery drivers require additional skills. These include monitoring temperature and setting up and installing medical devices such as oxygen tanks and dialysis machines. 
  • On-Demand Deliveries – Emergencies in the medical sector are a common occurrence and must be addressed swiftly as they’re often life or death cases. However, adjusting to them when you already have a full schedule is not easy.
  • Driver Continuity – Many healthcare facilities and clients request that only one driver handles all their deliveries. While this adds to the level of customer trust and satisfaction, it makes it difficult to plan last-mile deliveries. 

How Last Mile Medical Delivery is Evolving 

While the pressure of last-mile medical deliveries is high, getting it right is very rewarding. This means that products are handled well throughout the delivery, and they arrive on time. To do this, you need to have full control of the supply chain, including minute details.

While it may sound impossible, you can leverage advanced technological solutions to enjoy greater visibility and control over last-mile deliveries. Such solutions offer:

1. Last Mile Visibility

As mentioned, medical deliveries are unique as some products require a unique set of conditions to be maintained throughout. Ordinarily, it’s not easy to ascertain whether these conditions were maintained.

However, with advanced tools, you can enjoy last-mile visibility. This allows courier companies and medical practitioners to monitor conditions in real-time. In doing so, decision-making is significantly enhanced, thus improving outcomes. 

2. Automated Route Optimization

If deliveries are scheduled long before the delivery date, fulfilling them is easy. However, that’s not always the case. In addition to the scheduled ones, there are also on-demand deliveries. These, in fairness, can be a nightmare to deal with.

First, you need to find a way to fit them into an already tight schedule. But that’s the easy part. You’ll also need to match the delivery with the best-suited driver in relation to their hours of service (HOS), location, and other factors.

As you do this, you may be forced to adjust other deliveries. An automation tool that offers route optimization can help with this. They account for all variables, including the type of vehicle needed and cold storage requirements, and create a delivery schedule instantly.

But beyond matching appropriate drivers with deliveries, they also choose the most efficient routes. This means drivers will be assigned deliveries with the minimum possible distance, thus reducing delivery times and fuel costs. 

3. Digital Proof of Delivery

Medical supplies and equipment are highly sensitive. And some of them can be used for harmful purposes if they’re in the wrong hands. Therefore, the last thing you want is uncertainty about their whereabouts.

Was the consignment delivered or not? This is a question that should never come up.

Automated platforms for managing medical deliveries can help with this. They have a feature that allows the driver to capture proof of delivery digitally. On the other hand, customers can give instant feedback. 

4. Delivery Notifications

A key part of your job is ensuring medical deliveries are done on time, and the products arrive in peak condition. However, you can achieve this but fail in the overall objective of providing medical care. 

While medical supplies are in transit during emergency deliveries, there are people on the other side waiting for them. These include the patient and caregivers. The duration they have to wait for the delivery often influences their decision-making and preparation.

This is one of the simple yet invaluable features of a digital medical delivery solution. It provides delivery notifications informing patients and caregivers of the progress. Doing this significantly enhances their decision-making and capacity to plan. 

5. Deep Insights

Using an automated solution to optimize last-mile medical deliveries helps you achieve greater efficiency. Moreover, it gives you flexibility and visibility over the supply chain. But that’s not all. 

It also collects key data on your delivery processes that would otherwise be invisible. By analyzing this data, you’ll gain crucial insights into how you can further optimize the process. This may be by resolving bottlenecks or making further improvements. 

Eliminate the Hassle of Last Mile Medical Deliveries

As a health service provider, the growth of in-health services and medical deliveries presents a huge opportunity. Along with increasing revenues, it also allows you to increase access to the necessary medical equipment and services to consumers. But, it does not have to be a painstaking process.MediOps is a technology-enabled medical logistics and transportation company. We have proprietary software that simplifies medical supply management while increasing visibility. Get in touch with us today for reliable last-mile medical courier services.

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Author Medi-Ops Team Categories Courier Services, Flight Services

Consideration Factors for Air & Ground Medical Courier Operations

When it comes to getting sensitive materials and specimens to their destinations, you want to make sure that everything is handled with care. Regardless of the mode of transport you choose, it’s crucial that medical shipments get to their destinations safely and quickly. There are two distinctive types of medical couriers: ground and air. Before settling on the right method of transport, you need to know how to weigh their pros and cons. Here are some factors you should consider when choosing between ground and air transportation for your medical courier operations. 

Cost

The obvious advantage of ground transportation is its low cost, especially when you factor in fuel prices. Because aviation fuel is much more expensive than conventional gas, flying can drive up your shipping costs.

However, there are some other considerations you should take into account alongside cost. For example, if you need shipment within 24 hours and your product isn’t temperature-sensitive, ground shipping may make more sense in terms of the overall cost. Conversely, if you need overnight delivery, such as human blood samples sent from one hospital to another, it might be worth investing in air courier services.

Turnaround Time

Time is always a significant factor, especially when you are delivering sensitive products that can only be handled by medical professionals. The prompt arrival of critical items could also mean saving someone’s life.

By using air transport, you are generally able to do deliveries faster than would be possible with ground shipping. While ground shipping can be cheaper, it can be effected by weather changes or road conditions such as traffic jams. 

Nevertheless, at Medi-Ops, we have made our ground transportation system as fast as possible through the use of lights and siren couriers. Our AI technology also makes it easy for us to evaluate many different routes and settle on the most appropriate one, avoiding traffic and other potential pitfalls. 

Ability to Track Shipment

The ability to track your shipment via GPS devices is critical when sending medical supplies. Any sort of tracking device, such as those found on airplanes, can be invaluable in preventing you from losing your shipment altogether. 

If you’re carrying blood products, such as platelets and plasma proteins, you need tracking capabilities that will ensure their safety 24/7. Furthermore, if delivery is urgent and an ambulance must be called in an emergency, having at least some level of tracking capability makes it easier for responders to locate your shipment quickly. 

In addition to airplane deliveries, ground couriers now offer smart shipping containers that come equipped with GPS-tracking technology. These units make shipping medical supplies even more reliable.

Regulations

The regulatory environment is changing rapidly across several industries. Government regulations that impact medical courier services include HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration), FDCA (Food, Drug, & Cosmetic Act), PHMSA (Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration), and IMDG / IATA / RID (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code).

It is important to determine if your items are classified as Hazardous Materials (HazMat). If they are, you will need an FAA license to transport them via air. However, most states require HazMat items to be transported by ground-only couriers. 

Distance

If you’re only transporting your products across town, you’ll probably have a better experience with ground transportation. On the other hand, the big advantage of air transport is that it covers much larger distances faster than ground vehicles. 

Safety

Whenever your medical courier operation involves specimens, sensitive pharmaceuticals, or highly regulated medical devices, you’ll want to choose a mode of transport that minimizes risk. Air carriers are regulated by multiple federal agencies and have strict safety standards in place. For instance, if something goes wrong with a flight transporting samples from an infectious disease lab, pilots must be specially trained on how to handle such situations. On average, ground transportation for these types of shipments isn’t subject to as many safety regulations. 

Weather Considerations

In areas with a high rate of inclement weather, ground travel can be hazardous and risky. Regardless of how careful drivers can be, they could still hit icy patches on roads, causing vehicles to slide off-road. If you’re located in an area prone to snow, rain, and hurricanes, opt for air transport. It will guarantee you more safety, flexibility, and faster delivery time. 

Condition of Item Being Shipped

Temperature-sensitive or otherwise fragile products need special handling. For such shipments, an air courier service is your best bet, particularly if you don’t have time to wait around on ground shipping. For less sensitive items, it’s better to choose ground services and avoid the high costs associated with airline travel.

An Appropriate Solution for Your Medical Courier

There are many factors that you should consider when choosing between ground and air transport for your medical courier operations. Each mode of transportation has its own benefits and limitations. You need to take into account many factors like cost, expected delivery times, distance, regulatory aspects, legal concerns, and more. At Medi-Ops, we provide you with the right ground and air transport services for all your medical needs. Regardless of how complicated your operation is, our team of medical courier professionals can help you take it from conception to completion. We rely on the best technology that includes AI and machine learning to find the right solution for your transportation needs. Contact us today if you have any questions about our courier services.

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Author Medi-Ops Team Categories Organ Donation

The Key to a Successful Organ Transplantation

Organ transplantation is a life-saving medical procedure that involves the removal of an organ from one person and placing it into the body of another person. For the transplant to be successful, the donor organ must be kept alive and in good condition until it can be transplanted into the recipient. Temperature-controlled transportation ensures that organs are kept alive and in good condition during transport.

The Need for Temperature Controlled Transportation in Organ Transplantation

All transplanted organs are susceptible to temperature. If an organ gets too cold, it can start to shut down and will be more likely to be rejected by the recipient’s body. Conversely, if an organ gets too warm, it can begin to break down and be more likely to be rejected. Keeping the organ at a consistent, controlled temperature during transport is essential for minimizing the risk of damage and maximizing the chances of a successful transplant. In addition, controlling the organ’s temperature during transport helps ensure that the transplant is performed promptly, which can further improve the success rate of the transplant.

How Temperature-Controlled Transportation Helps Improve the Success Rate of Transplants

There are a few ways in which temperature-controlled transportation can help to reduce the risk of organ rejection.

Firstly, controlling the temperature helps to ensure that the organ is always in a healthy condition.

Organ temperature is essential for many reasons. Firstly, controlling the temperature helps to ensure that the organ is always in a healthy condition. If the temperature gets too high, cells can start to die. In addition, high temperatures can also damage enzymes and other proteins that are essential for normal cellular function. Conversely, low temperatures can also be damaging, making cells more susceptible to injury. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a stable temperature to keep organs healthy. By carefully regulating the temperature, we can help to ensure that organs remain healthy and functional.

Secondly, keeping the organ at a consistent temperature minimizes the stress on the organ, reducing the risk of rejection.

Stress on cells can lead to negative consequences, including organ rejection by the body. It’s, therefore, crucial to maintaining a constant temperature for organs to reduce stress on the cells and prevent these issues. When an organ is put under pressure from being too cold or too hot, it’s not just the affected cells; the entire organ can be damaged. This can cause serious problems, including rejection by the body. To avoid these issues, it’s essential to maintain a constant temperature for organs. This will minimize stress on the cells and reduce the risk of rejection or other complications.

Finally, transporting the organ at a controlled temperature ensures that the transplant can be performed promptly, which is often critical for the success of the transplant.

Time is of the essence when performing transplants. In many cases, the sooner the transplant can be performed, the better. This is because organs can start to deteriorate quickly once removed from the body. By transporting the organ at a controlled temperature, we can help to ensure that it arrives in good condition and is ready for organ transplantation. This can help to improve the chances of a successful transplant and save lives.

The Different Types of Temperature Controlled Transportation Available

There are several different types of temperature-controlled transportation available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The type of transportation that is best for a particular organ will depend on several factors, including the organ’s size, the distance it needs to be transported, and the time frame in which it needs to be transplanted.

Some of the most common types of temperature-controlled transportation include:

Standard shipping containers: These are the most common containers used for organ transport. They are typically large enough to accommodate one or two organs, and they can be fitted with cooling and heating pads to regulate the temperature.

Specialized transport systems: These systems are designed to transport larger organs, such as hearts. They typically include a system of cooling and heating pads, as well as an oxygen supply to keep the organ alive during transport.

Airfreight: This is the quickest method of organ transport, but it is also the most expensive. Airfreight typically includes a system of cooling and heating pads and an oxygen supply to keep the organ alive during transport.

Ground transportation: This is the slowest method of organ transport, but it is typically the most cost-effective. Ground transportation can be either private or public, and it typically includes a system of cooling and heating pads to regulate the temperature.

The Importance of Hiring a Professional Temperature Controlled Transportation Company

When it comes to organ transplantation, there is no room for error. The success of the transplant depends on several factors, but one of the most important is the organ’s temperature during transport. This is why it is so important to hire a professional temperature-controlled transportation company.

A professional transportation company will have the experience and expertise necessary to ensure that your organ is kept at a controlled temperature during transport. They will also have the necessary equipment to transport your organ safely and securely.

When choosing a transportation company, it is vital to choose one with experience in transporting organs. You should also ask about the company’s temperature-controlled transport systems and how they will be used to transport your organ.

By choosing a professional transportation company, you can rest assured that your organ will be transported safely and securely. This will give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on other aspects of the transplant process.

Summary

Organ transplantation is a complex and delicate process. The success of the transplant depends on many factors, but one of the most important is the organ’s temperature during transport. This is why hiring a professional temperature-controlled transportation company is so important. A professional transportation company will have the experience and expertise to ensure that your organ is kept at a controlled temperature during transport.

When choosing a transportation company, it is important to choose one with experience in transporting organs. You should also ask about the company’s temperature-controlled transport systems and how they will be used to transport your organ. By choosing a professional transportation company, you can rest assured that your organ will be transported safely and securely.

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Author Medi-Ops Team Categories Courier Services

The Impact of Transportation AI on the Delivery of Emergency Medical Supplies

Medical emergencies are unpredictable and may occur at the worst time. Therefore, it is valuable to have swift services to deliver medical supplies during emergencies. In the case of any delays in transportation, the lives of people involved in accidents are at high risk and will have lower and lower chances of recovery or survival.

A human brain deprived of oxygen causes irreversible damage in under four minutes. The same person may not be alive after four to six minutes.

Digital healthcare technologies allow you to race against time and save people regardless of their location. You can turn the patient to the point of care when needed. Emergency units and first responders require these technologies to ensure they can save lives and offer emergency services effectively.

One major technology that has revolutionized the world of digital healthcare is Artificial Intelligence. With AI, it is possible to use drones and autonomous vehicles to deliver medical supplies within minutes to any location. More research on AI technology is increasing by looking at the advancements and influence on emergency patient care.   

According to Gartner, the transportation sector expects to double the machine automation and AI used in its supply chain process over the next five years. Another recent study found that global spending on IoT platforms will grow from just $1.67B in 2018 to a whopping $12.44B in 2024. In less than eight years, this is a 40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).

The innovations and trends in the medical supply chain sector are pushing emergency medicine into the front lane. This post looks at the possible ways transportation AI will impact the field and make deliveries seamless and faster.

AI for Logistics and Capacity Allocation

AI is already revolutionizing the world of the supply chain. For example, in logistics and capacity allocation, detailed reports are essential to optimize the day-to-day operations of the transportation sector. AI offers intelligent algorithms to offer a logical and practical solution for mining data required for accurate predictions of future operations.

AI can predict the statistical probability of accidents on roads to show the best possible point for future operations. In addition, planning for daily capacity allocation of medical supplies within countries is essential for deploying vehicles to the nearest areas with capacity peaks. 

Apps for Emergency Care

Studies show that 80% of clinical errors occur due to miscommunication between medical staff. Technically, medical information requires accurate sorting to ensure you offer the best services to each patient. However, AI and innovative software programs will eliminate these errors by automating manual and repetitive tasks for emergency care.  

An innovative platform developed by the U.S Company Pulsara helps in proper ambulance and emergency management. The venue is a mobile app that allows paramedics to notify the emergency department before the arrival of a new patient and make the necessary preparations to ensure their survival.

The app also calculates the estimated arrival time by relying on a GPS while enabling the paramedics to share essential details such as images or ECGs from the field.

Another essential free app mainly used in transportation is the Full Code Pro. It uses real-time CPR event tracking tools that allow users to document critical interventions. For example, it will enable first responders to input their administered medication, start a countdown, and access metronomes to optimize chest compression rhythm. Doctors can then use these details to offer effective medical care.

Supportive and Tutorial Video Games

A huge part of digital health training uses games that simulate real-world emergency cases. Healthcare professionals can use these games to learn their skills and do their jobs effectively.

One prominent example of a company that has followed suit is Level Ex. Level Ex is a Chicago-based start-up that created the Airway Ex app to allow doctors and paramedics to prepare themselves for airway management issues in every realistic scenario.

The app shows scores on damages caused, bleeding, and speed of the virtual patient’s vital stats while the “procedure” occurs. Medical practitioners can use the app anywhere, making learning easy and convenient.    

Driverless Ambulances

Limited transportation has been a significant barrier to access to healthcare in the world for many years. Statistics show that over 3.6 million people worldwide miss their doctors’ appointments and healthcare services due to a lack of transportation.

To solve these issues, companies like Uber and Lyft have launched new services for non-emergency medical transportation. The services enable patients to reach hospitals safely and get their services.

Uber launched Uber Health non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) service. The service is HIPAA-compliant to ensure they follow the regulations set to offer excellent healthcare services.

Lyft is also expanding to offer NEMT to ensure patients can efficiently access healthcare services. To optimize transportation, driverless cars are on the rise. They have the potential to allow cars to become the point of care. The new technology made successful by AI will ease any burdens of emergency transport services and enable excellent patient care.

Other governments are already setting up these driverless ambulances as ‘medical taxis’ to pick up low-risk patients and transport them to the nearest clinic for treatment.

Medical Drones

Drones are a great alternative to transporting vaccines, medical aids, and drugs faster than today’s options. For example, for emergency medical services, drones effectively deliver external defibrillators (AEDs) straight to patients who may have suffered a heart attack.

Apart from transportation, the drones can also offer instructions in the form of videos to passers to enable them to give CPR with the AED machine they deliver to the emergency location. Drones are the most effective transportation option for remote areas, especially islands with no road access.

The Future of EMS

Digital technologies support emergency care units and help handle situations safely and more confidently, but they also help all patients get services quickly and effectively. The widespread use of AI for improving the delivery of emergency medical supplies.

At Medi-Ops, we strive for the best technology-enabled logistics and transportation organization and bring unique and innovative perspectives to medical supply chains. Request a demo today to understand how they work.

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Author Medi-Ops Team Categories Blood Bank

Timing Considerations in Blood Donations and Usage

According to the American Red Cross, 16 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S. They also estimate that approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U.S. Donated blood is lifesaving for people who have lost blood from an accident or surgery. It must be stored and transported in a very particular manner. This is the only way to guarantee the quality from when blood is donated, to when transfusion occurs. 

The process of storing and transporting blood is complex, so we’ve put together this guide to learn about the best practices to preserve its quality. 

Effects of Improper Blood Storage and Transportation

You need to store, and transport donated blood properly to preserve the quality. What happens if you don’t? Below are the effects of improper blood storage!

  • Blood stored or transported outside the recommended temperatures loses the ability to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide upon transfusion.
  • The bacterial contamination risk increases when donated blood is exposed to high temperatures.
  • Super low temperatures below freezing point increase the chances of blood hemolysis. This can cause a deadly transfusion reaction. 

Blood Cold Chain Management Cycle

What is the blood cold chain management cycle? This is the blood cycle from donation to transfusion. The process is a series of interconnected activities such as blood donation, processing, testing, storage, distribution, and transfusion. 

It also involves personnel and equipment needed to handle donated blood safely. Ideally, the cycle begins before the blood collection. Blood bags need to be stored under the right temperature conditions awaiting donated blood.

What Constitutes Blood?

Blood can be transfused as a whole or its components. Knowing what constitutes blood is critical because it affects how you store and transport blood. Below is the breakdown of what makes up blood!

  • Whole Blood; contains all blood components like plasma, red cells, white cells, and platelets. It’s the most popular form of blood transfusion because it can help many people when separated into individual components. 
  • Red Cells; are produced in the bone marrow and are responsible for the characteristic color. They’re used to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the body tissues.
  • Platelets; are made in the bone marrow and are responsible for preventing or stopping excessive blood loss after a cut.
  • Plasma; is the liquid holding all blood components in place. It makes up about 60% of blood volume.
  • White Cells; are the body’s defense system. They protect the body from diseases by producing antibodies to fight bacteria and viruses. Donated blood containing white cells can cause more harm than good. So, they’re always removed before transfusion.

How to Store and Transport Donated Blood

After testing and processing blood under the recommended conditions, it’s vital to store and transport it properly. The three primary blood storage equipment include:

  • Blood storage refrigerators–used to maintain whole blood, red blood cell concentrates, and other blood components at +4°C ± 2°C. Different blood storage refrigerators include Upright freestanding units, Freestanding chest refrigerators, Cold rooms, and Solar and gas-powered storage equipment.
  • Plasma storage freezers–used to maintain plasma at temperatures consistently colder than –25°C. The different plasma storage freezers include Upright freestanding freezers, Freestanding chest freezers, and Freezer rooms.
  • Room temperature storage facilities–are used to maintain platelet concentrates and fresh blood under an optimum temperature range of +22°C ± 2°C. The different room temperature storage facilities are a Platelet agitator, Temperature controlled room, and Temperature controlled working environment. 

How to Store and Transport Whole Blood and Red Cells

According to the American Red Cross, the recommended temperature for storing whole blood ranges between +4°C ± 2°C. You need to store whole blood at this temperature range to maintain its ability to transport oxygen.

The right storage bags should contain enough anticoagulant, a chemical preservative solution used to prevent the blood from clotting. Also, the recommended storage period is approximately 35 days. You’ll want to keep this in mind to guarantee blood quality.

The recommended temperature range for transporting pre-processed blood is +20 °C to +24 °C, which shouldn’t take longer than six hours. On the other hand, you should transport processed blood at a temperature range of +2 °C to +10 °C in under 24 hours.

Some specialists can treat and freeze red blood cells to last more than ten years. But this significantly depends on the available technology.

How to Store and Transport Blood Platelets

Standard operating procedures require platelets to be separated from whole blood within six hours after collection. This is done through the centrifugation process! This means whole blood should be stored between +20 °C and +24 °C before centrifugation. 

This is also the recommended temperature range for storing platelet concentrates, i.e., +22°C ± 2°C. Lastly, platelet concentrates should be used within five days. This is the maximum storage time.

How to Store and Transport Blood Plasma

Blood plasma is first frozen and maintained in a blood bank freezer at a temperature ≤-18ºC and allowed to thaw. The thawed plasma is stored in a plasma storage freezer at a temp of 1-6ºC. Frozen plasma has a one-year shelf life from the collection date.

On the other hand, thawed plasma has a shorter shelf life. So it should be used within one day to five days maximum. 

Wrapping Up

Donated blood can restore life! But this significantly depends on how the blood is handled during the cold chain management cycle. This means you need the right professionals to handle blood and blood derivatives. 

More importantly, it’s best to store and transport the blood and its components according to the recommended standard operating procedures. A minor delay during transportation or poor storage equipment can be costly. This is why you need a reliable blood transportation system. The good news is that Medi-Ops got your back! We are a technology-enabled medical logistics and transportation organization. Contact us to learn more!

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