A comprehensive logistics plan for priority transport of procured tissue from throughout the US to a processing center in the Northeast.

CHALLENGE

Twenty shipments of donor tissue from points throughout the United States (Hawaii, California, Texas, Boston) were to be sent to a major tissue processor on the East Coast for processing and storage to be used for transplantation in future surgical procedures.

Donor tissue must be received by tissue processor within 48-72 hours from the ischemic time for viability. The procurement of tissue typically occurs at night when operating rooms are not being used for scheduled surgeries; therefore, transportation is usually required during late night and early morning hours.

Temperature control is necessary throughout transit; however, the temperature requirements vary with each type of tissue. Chain of custody is critical at every milestone.

A major snowstorm in the Northeast resulted in airport closings, cancelled flights and airline cargo embargos over a two-day period. Airlines imposed embargoes on restricted goods for transport until weather issues were resolved. The integrity of these life-saving and critical shipments could be in jeopardy if temperature and transit time was compromised. Due to the various ischemic times and components of the donor tissue, various temperatures had to be maintained to ensure viability of each shipment.

SOLUTION

• Quick designed a comprehensive logistics plan for priority transport of procured tissue from throughout the US to their processing center on the East Coast to meet their specified deadlines. Transportation could be required at a moment's notice. 24/7/365 communication protocols and temperature control procedures established to maintain the integrity of each shipment, including replenishment of wet ice or coordination with the OPO to freeze shipment, as needed.
• Contingency plans were set in advance and continuously updated to proactively prepare for weather and potential transportation interruptions.
• In preparation of a major snowstorm in the Northeast, Quick worked closely with OPOs and Tissue Processor to agree upon protocols for re-routing and re-icing, as needed. During this major weather event, Quick carefully monitored and managed each shipment, worked closely with the airlines, tissue processor and OPOs, and kept the client apprised every step of the way, confirming chain of custody.
• All twenty tissue donor shipments were delivered successfully to the tissue processing facility on time, integrity intact.