Scope
Reference
C375232
Description
NHS Blood & Transplant (NHSBT) and Scottish National Blood Transfusion (SNBTS) Red Cell Immunohaematology (RCI) departments are awarding a supplier of red cell genotyping methods.
The RCI laboratories in NHSBT and SNBTS 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. For some patients, the red cell phenotype cannot be determined due to prior transfusion, treatment with therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, or autoimmune conditions. For these patients, the selection of safe compatible blood for transfusion relies on red cell genotyping, a molecular method of determining blood groups. Blood is often required urgently with increased risk to the patient if this is not met. RCI reference services in NHSBT are provided from Barnsley, Birmingham, Colindale, Filton (Bristol), Liverpool, Newcastle, and Tooting. RCI reference services in SNBTS are provided from Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, although red cell genotyping is only performed on the Glasgow site.
NHSBT and SNBTS have now completed a tender and shall award based on the following:
• Extended red cell genotype (blood groups).
• Weak and Partial Rh D.
• Either closed or open system.
• Processing batches, but also capable of processing smaller numbers with minimum wastage.
• Less than 24-hour TAT, including DNA extraction to results.
• Quality requirements (such as CE marked)
The framework shall be utilised by NHS Blood and Transplant and Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Contract 1. Red Cell Genotyping
Supplier
Contract value
- £1,586,933 excluding VAT
- £1,858,156 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
3 December 2025
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
4 December 2025
Standstill period
- End: 15 December 2025
- 8 working days
Earliest date the contract will be signed
22 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 February 2026 to 31 January 2033
- 7 years
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 33100000 - Medical equipments
Information about tenders
- 4 tenders received
- 4 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 2 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 1 supplier awarded contracts
- 3 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Submission
Submission type
Tenders
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Supplier
Sussex Biological Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLTV-9494-JGNJ
H7/H8 Swallow Business Park
Hailsham
BN27 4EL
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ22 - East Sussex CC
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: Yes
Contract 1. Red Cell Genotyping
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: 07385435288
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