Scope
Reference
C350958
Description
Anti-D and Anti-c Antibody Quantification NHS Blood & Transplant (NHSBT) Red Cell Immunohaematology (RCI) function is seeking to engage with suppliers of red cell antibody quantification methods via an early market engagement exercise. 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 the formal procurement process, NHSBT would like to consult the market to improve our knowledge of all current offers available, identify further opportunities and potential issues, as well as gauge market interest in the proposed service. This engagement will help shape NHSBT procurement strategy. The RCI laboratories in NHSBT provide a range of reference services to hospitals, focusing on ensuring safe and effective blood transfusions by diagnosing and managing complex issues related to red blood cells. Antibody (anti-D and anti-c) quantification is a vital component of RCI service, predominantly providing service to NHS hospitals. The test results play a crucial role in guiding the clinical management of alloimmunised ANC patients' by predicting the risk of haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn and triggering referral to an FMU specialist, In addition, quantification is used to assist in the laboratory differentiation of immune anti-D from passive anti-D Ig This specialised test conducted in 4 of the 7 RCI laboratories (namely Birmingham, Colindale, Liverpool and Newcastle). RCI processes approximately 10,000 tests annually. The test is vital for identifying levels of alloimmune and prophylactic anti-D, as well as alloimmune anti-c in obstetric and other referrals. NHSBT is seeking to engage with suppliers on the market who can provide Antibody Quantification. The requirement is likely to include the following: • Quantification of anti-D and anti-c (expressed in IU/mL). • Less than 24-hour TAT • Quality requirements (such as CE marked) As part of the early market engagement exercise, NHSBT would like to discuss our requirement with suppliers along with a time frame for supply.
Total value (estimated)
- £1,200,000 excluding VAT
- £1,440,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 11 May 2026 to 11 May 2033
- Possible extension to 11 May 2036
- 10 years, 1 day
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 33140000 - Medical consumables
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
- UKG31 - Birmingham
- UKI - London
- UKK11 - Bristol, City of
Engagement
Engagement deadline
21 May 2025
Engagement process description
It is our intention to hold the early market engagement exercise supplier meetings the week of 19th May 2025. The meetings will be held remotely. To enable us to finalise arrangements (e.g. send meeting details and agree time slots), 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 Friday 2nd May. This should include a list of your requested attendees and a brief overview (or a website link) of the Goods / Services which might be of interest to us in relation to this requirement. Please include options, if available, for a managed service contract. There is no guarantee that a formal procurement process will be launched as a result of this early 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 early market engagement exercise. Suppliers should take part in this process only on the basis that they fully understand and accept this position.
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
3 November 2025
Contracting authority
NHS Blood and Transplant
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDBY-6395-VWBP
500 North Bristol Park
Bristol
BS34 7QH
United Kingdom
Contact name: Coco Otiotio
Telephone: +44 7385435288
Email: coco.otiotio@nhsbt.nhs.uk
Website: https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/
Region: UKK12 - Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Organisation type: Public authority - central government