HLA ​Specific Antibody Detection & Identification System

NHS Blood & Transplant (NHSBT) Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics function intends to undertake a tender exercise for Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) specific antibody detection and definition system(s) suitable for acute clinical work.<br/><br/>Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics (H&I) is a strategic business function of NHSBT, that provides a portfolio of testing, advice and support in transplantation, platelet refractoriness and transfusion reactions.<br/><br/>Services are supplied through a national network of six laboratories across England. We would like to work with suppliers to perform HLA specific antibody detection and definition system in an efficient, timely and cost-effective manner to meet the demands and expectations of our customers and the patients we serve.<br/><br/>Prior to commencing a formal procurement process and to help inform our strategy, NHSBT is seeking to engage with suppliers of commercially available HLA specific antibody detection and definition systems. Our current contract ends in February 2025 and NHSBT would like to improve our knowledge of all current and future systems available in the marketplace. This will aid identification of opportunities and gauge market interest in this field.<br/><br/>We require HLA specific antibody detection and definition system to cover the following:<br/><br/>· The solution must detect and identify specific HLA antibodies and detect IgG antibodies against all currently known HLA class I and Class II antigens (as detailed in the contemporaneous published HLA Dictionary.<br/><br/>· The system must comprise of the essential equipment, analysis software and kit (s) to obtain a result and positive identification of samples throughout the process.<br/><br/>· From test material addition to the availability of an interpreted results the turnaround time should be less than three hours.<br/><br/>· Maintenance of existing equipment - Luminex ™ detection systems.<br/><br/>NB: Procurement of the above systems will be tendered by two lots. (Lot 1 new systems, lot 2 existing equipment)<br/><br/>Respondents will be invited to pre-procurement engagement meetings on the 4th March and/or 5th March 2024 these will be held remotely. To enable NHSBT to finalise arrangements (e.g. send meeting details and agree time slots) for the supplier engagement meetings, interested organisations are required to send an expression of interest via email to coco.otiotio@nhsbt.nhs.uk by no later than 17:00 hrs (GMT) on 22/02/2024. This should include a list of your potential attendees and a brief overview (or a website link) of the Goods / Services which might be offered. Please include options, if available, to offer a managed service contract.<br/><br/>No business whatsoever is guaranteed under any resulting framework agreement or contract, and there is no guarantee that any framework agreement or contract will be put in place in relation to this notice. No compensation etc. will be paid if a tender or resulting framework agreement is withdrawn for any reason. Bidders should take part in this process only on the basis that they fully understand and accept this position.<br/><br/>It should be noted that this procurement exercise may allow other Health authorities to utilise any contracts/ framework agreements awarded.