Supply and support of HLA Rapid typing systems

Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics (H&I) is a strategic business function of NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) that provides a portfolio of testing and advice which supports the diagnosis and/ or treatment of a variety of medical conditions in the following clinical areas:

• Solid organ transplantation and clinical advice for donor selection
• Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and clinical advice for donor selection
• Blood transfusion and transfusion reactions (SHOT)
• Platelet refractoriness and provision of HLA/ HPA selected components
• Platelet immunology
• Granulocyte immunology
• Immunogenetics including diagnostic testing and pharmacogenetics
• Haematopoietic stem cell donor registry typing

NHSBT require HLA typing systems that can produce a result in less than two hours. This is to ensure compatibility between donors and recipients of HLA selected platelets, haematopoietic stem cells for transplantation and solid organ transplantation (renal, liver and cardiothoracic). We must be able to perform HLA typing in an efficient, timely and cost effective manner to meet the demands and expectations of our customers and the patients we serve.

We will work with the successful suppliers to realise this ambition and to perform HLA rapid typing in an efficient, timely and cost effective manner to meet the demands and expectations of our customers and the patients we serve.

For NHSBT these services are supplied through a national network of six laboratories located at Birmingham, Bristol, Colindale, Newcastle, Sheffield and Tooting. Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) and Welsh Blood Service (WBS) are allowed to utilise this agreement.

The Framework Agreement was awarded for 4 years and divided into lots as follows:

Lot 1 - New HLA (Rapid) typing equipment - awarded to VH Bio

Lot 2 - Kits for HLA (Rapid) typing systems - awarded to VH Bio Ltd and Alpha Biotech Ltd