Scope
Reference
C390176
Description
We are purchasing 1 Histolog scanner to introduce LaserSAFE at UCLH NHS Foundation Trust. We will be procuring directly with the manufacturer (Samantree Medical)
Contract 1. Purchase of Confocal Microscopy Device
Supplier
Contract value
- £240,000 excluding VAT
- £288,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
26 September 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 29 September 2025 to 29 October 2025
- 1 month, 1 day
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 33000000 - Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
The Histolog Scanner from SamanTree Medical is a unique medical device that currently has no alternative supplier or equivalent solution on the market to our knowledge. It is the only CE-marked and FDA-cleared technology providing real-time, histology-grade intraoperative tissue assessment directly in the operating room.
Unique functionality of the Histolog Scanner:
1.) Portable confocal laser microscope: the only clinical-use portable confocal scanner on the market with an objective lens large enough to scan the entire prostate gland in ~50-60 seconds.
2.) Remote pathology access: the only scanner with a remote viewer, enabling pathologists to assess images instantly from outside the OR, avoiding the need for specimen transport or pathologist presence in the theatre.
3.) Speed: high-resolution images in ~1 minute per field of view, with complete intraoperative margin assessment in 8-20 minutes.
4.) Non-destructive process: tissue remains intact for further routine histopathology.
5.) Patented technology: massively parallel confocal microscopy is proprietary to SamanTree Medical.
The Histolog® Scanner is being purchased for use in intraoperative margin evaluation during radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. UCLH is the largest centre for radical prostatectomy in the NHS, and it is essential that the Service maintains leadership in innovation and patient outcomes.
The need is based on published data showing that intraoperative margin evaluation significantly increases the rate of nerve-sparing procedures. This directly translates into improved quality of life for patients (RCT NeuroSAFE PROOF) - better continence and potency outcomes after surgery. At the same time, published studies show that the Histolog® Scanner achieves high accuracy in detecting positive surgical margins. If present, such margins can necessitate immediate secondary resection during the same operation, thereby avoiding compromised cancer control.
In summary, the scanner enables UCLH to:
1.) Improve functional and potential oncological outcomes for patients.
2.) Avoid repeat procedures, which are costly and distressing for patients.
3.) Offer margin assessment without frozen section infrastructure.
4.) Strengthen UCLH's position as the leading NHS centre for radical prostatectomy and robotic surgery.
Supplier
Samantree Medical UK Ltd
- Companies House: 16218395
c/o Mishcon De Reya, Africa House, 70 Kingsway
London
WC2B 6AH
United Kingdom
Email: michael.hansen@samantree.com
Region: UKI31 - Camden and City of London
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Purchase of Confocal Microscopy Device
Contracting authority
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST
- NHS Organisation Data Service: RRV
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PYRL-5371-BNMH
250 Euston Road
London
NW1 2PG
United Kingdom
Email: daniel.tagg@nhs.net
Region: UKI31 - Camden and City of London
Organisation type: Public authority - central government