Red Cell Genotyping (PA2023)

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, Welsh Blood Service,, Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service and the Northern Ireland