Pre/post analytical system (sample sorter)

Please note this is not the start of a procurement process. A separate contract notice will be published to cover this requirement. Prior to commencing a formal procurement process and to help inform our strategy/ requirements, NHSBT is seeking to engage with suppliers of commercially available pre and post-analytical processing systems suitable for use in a testing laboratory to handle donation samples.

NHSBT would like to consult the market to improve our knowledge of all current systems available in the market place, identify further opportunities and, potential issues, and gauge market interest in the proposed service. The equipment will be high throughput with minimal user operation and the technology will meet the current and future needs of the service, in a cost effective manner.

Minimum requirements to be fulfilled:

• minimal hands-on time/user interaction • sample barcode reader with the ability to recognise NHSBT barcodes (ISBT128) • ability to distinguish different sample types originating from the same donor (EDTA, Plasma, Gel tubes) • ability to distinguish samples requiring priority testing • ability to de-cap and re-cap samples • ability to sort samples in to a variety of analyser specific racks for onward testing • ability to handle high-throughput of samples in a set timescale • re-sorting of samples post analysis • sample archiving, this will require the ability to archive an aliquot of plasma for long-term storage and sample tubes for short-term storage • easy to use software • capability of interfacing with NHSBT IT system

It is NHSBT’s intention to conduct pre-procurement supplier engagement. The purpose of this event will be to help scope NHSBT’s future requirements and documents will be issued in advance to facilitate the discussion.

The details of the engagements will be issued when known. Initially, please can you respond with details of what you can offer to meet the requirements detailed above. Interested organisations are required to send an email (expressing their interest) to [email protected] by no later than 1700hrs (GMT) on 28th October 2016, including a brief overview (or a website link) of the Goods/ Services which might be offered. Further details may be released, for consultation purposes only, to those organisations who express an interest.