Managed Service for Blood Grouping Assays and Consumables

Provision of automated blood transfusion analysers, associated reagents, consumables, maintenance and support services for Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

This contract is being awarded via the NHSSC PCR 2015 Laboratory Diagnostics, Point of Care Testing & Pathology Managed Services OJEU REF - 2023/S 000-028831 Framework Agreement using the Direct Award mechanism.

The contract covers the supply, installation, validation, calibration, maintenance and ongoing support of automated transfusion analysers used by Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to perform blood grouping, antibody screening, further investigations and serological cross-matching. These functions are critical to the safe provision of blood and blood components for transfusion and support compliance with relevant regulatory and clinical standards.

The service includes the provision of analysers, reagents, consumables, quality control materials, software support and upgrades, preventative maintenance, technical support, fault resolution and user training. The supplier will also provide ongoing contract support, manage reagent supply in line with clinical activity, investigate analytical errors and equipment issues, and deliver agreed service levels and performance standards.

Automated testing and the electronic transfer of validated results are mandatory requirements for the Electronic Issue (EI) of blood. EI enables the rapid issue of compatible blood products, reducing blood wastage, improving stock management and supporting the timely treatment of patients across emergency departments, operating theatres, maternity services, critical care units, haematology services and other clinical areas.

The contract supports a Trust-wide critical clinical service for patients requiring transfusion, patients at risk of major blood loss, and antenatal patients and their babies. Continuity of analyser availability, reagent supply and technical support is essential to maintaining patient safety, regulatory compliance and operational resilience.

Any interruption to the service could adversely affect the Trust's ability to provide timely and safe transfusion support, potentially impacting emergency care, surgical procedures, maternity pathways and other critical patient services. The contract is therefore essential to ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of a safe, reliable and compliant transfusion service across Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Estimated Annual Test Performed

• Blood Group 50,000

• Antibody Screen 50,000

• Antibody Panel 1,500

• Antibody Titre 15

• Crossmatch 1500

• RhK Phenotype 1000

• Other Phenotypes 180

• Direct Antiglobulin Test 650