Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

Tender description

Cardiff and Vale uLHB intends to purchase a laboratory sequencing robot to improve and increase the provision of genetic testing that is offered by the All Wales Genetics Service. This equipment will be compatible with existing platforms. The purchase will include associated maintenance service plan. Laboratory Genetics requires to purchase a liquid handling robot to automate DNA extraction and Next Generation Sequencing protocol set up for expansion of the current genetic testing portfolio. The system must have proven and demonstrable capability for the automation of Next Generation Sequencing library preparations. The robot must process samples in 96 well plates that are shaken on the platform. The pipetting channels must work independently to ensure accurate and efficient performance. The system must accommodate fast and efficient loading of reagents and samples, including scanning of reagents barcodes for full traceability and loading of tubes whilst the barcodes are being read. It must have the ability to accurately pipette different materials of varying viscosity and the ability to monitor pipetting accuracy and precision, using liquid level sensing. The system must have the ability to perform full traceability and accurately dispense volumes down to 2μl. The operating software should have the ability to view a program in simulation mode. The liquid handling platform must include the possibility to extract DNA as part of the protocol for more efficient set up and improved accuracy and rapid TAT for provision of the genetic testing service to the patients of Wales. There is demand both from professional guidance and from clinicians for the laboratory to deliver these new services.