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- Provision of Analysers and Consumables to Test Total Protein Assays from Apheresis Donors and Donations
Provision of Analysers and Consumables to Test Total Protein Assays from Apheresis Donors and Donations
AI Summary
NHS Blood and Transplant is preparing to bring in‑house the testing of total protein in apheresis donors and their plasma and platelet donations, a programme that has previously been outsourced to a third party. The authority requires that every apheresis donor undergo a total protein test on the first donation and thereafter on each eighth donation and at least annually, with a minimum acceptable concentration of 60 g L⁻¹ for donor safety. In addition, a routine quality‑monitoring programme calls for the total protein concentration in 1 % of recovered plasma, apheresis plasma and concurrent apheresis plasma obtained during platelet donation to be measured, with a lower threshold of 50 g L⁻¹.
To support this shift, NHSBT is seeking to engage suppliers capable of supplying up to three high‑throughput analysers that can perform total protein assays and, ideally, complementary tests for immunoglobulin G and albumin. The selected supplier will provide the equipment at the three manufacturing sites in Filton, Colindale and Manchester, deliver assay‑specific reagents, and offer ongoing maintenance and repair services. Software support and training for result interpretation remain under consideration but may be included as part of the overall solution. The analysers must satisfy the requisite analytical performance standards for total protein, IgG, and albumin testing.
Description
As part of the preliminary market engagement exercise, NHSBT are seeking to engage with potential suppliers of analysers that can run total protein assays.
1. General Requirements – Background:
For Donor Safety:
All apheresis donors require a total protein test on their first donation, and this is repeated at every 8th donation and at least annually. Total protein must not be less than 60g/L.
For Quality Monitoring:
Total protein is tested in:
a. 1% of recovered plasma donations (from whole blood donations);
b. 1% of apheresis plasma donations; and
c. 1% of concurrent apheresis plasma donations (obtained during platelet donation).
Total protein must not be less than 50g/L.
NHSBT currently outsource this testing to a 3rd Party. NHSBT are considering bringing this testing in house from 2027. Please note a final decision has not been made on this and the information obtained from this preliminary market engagement will help to inform the decision.
2. Requirement:
NHSBT potentially has a requirement for the purchase/loan of up to three analysers that can run special protein assays. Whilst total protein testing is the primary requirement, NHSBT may also be looking to test for immunoglobulins (IgG) and albumin as part of the requirement. As a general overview, the contracted supplier would be responsible for:
a. Providing analysers that can test for total protein, and ideally, also IgG and Albumin. This includes delivery of the machines to one/all of the three manufacturing sites – located at Filton, Colindale and Manchester;
b. Providing key consumables including assay-specific reagents;
c. Potentially providing the software (including training) to analyse the results – note: this requirement is still under consideration; and
d. Providing a maintenance and repair service to cover all planned maintenance and any repairs.
3. Contract Duration:
The contract duration is still under consideration. The market engagement will enquire about machine lifespan which will further inform the contract length. The current assumption is 5 years plus 2 x 1-year options. The estimated contract value is based on 7 years.
Estimated date of publication of contract notice: 2026-06-30T23:59:59+01:00
Contract location: UK
Engagement process description
If you are interested in taking part in the market engagement, please contact: james.marshall2@nhsbt.nhs.uk
by no later than 12:00 hrs (GMT) on 28/02/2026. Market engagement is likely to take place via a questionnaire and potentially video calls in March 2026. There is no guarantee that a formal procurement process will be launched as a result of this preliminary market engagement exercise, nor that any contract(s) will be placed. No remuneration or compensation etc will be paid to organisations who take part in this preliminary market engagement exercise. Suppliers should take part in this process only on the basis that they fully understand and accept this position.
Lot: 1
This contract is subject to renewal: Yes
Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted: En