Diagnostic systems

Tender description

Molecular detection of pathogens infecting the Central Nervous System/Sepsis at the Central testing site of Public Health Wales (Wales Specialist Virology Centre). To provide a complete solution for the molecular detection of key pathogens associated with infections of the central nervous system/sepsis from CSF and EDTA blood including: S. pneumoniae, N. meningitidis, Herpes simplex virus-1 and Herpes simplex virus-2, Enterovirus, Varicella zoster virus, Parechovirus, HHV-6, CMV, EBV, S. agalactiae, E. coli K1, H. influenzae and L. monocytogenes. Essential criteria i.e. pass or fail. 1) The solution must include systems for automated nucleic acid extraction, amplification and reporting process from sample to answer. 2) Must provide testing for the following pathogens as a minimum: (a) S. pneumoniae; (b) N. meningitidis; (c) Herpes simplex virus-1; (d) Herpes simplex virus-2; (e) Enterovirus; (f) Varicella zoster virus; (g) Parechovirus; (h) Human Herpes Virus-6; (i) Cytomegalovirus; (j) Epstein Barr Virus; (k) S. agalactiae; (l) E coli K1; (m) H. influenzae; (n) L. monocytogenes. 4) Assays must be CE marked to test CSF samples with the ability to process whole blood (EDTA samples) to test on the same assay panel. 5) Reagent rental. 6) Must be able to process 1 to 48 samples within a working day. 7) Must be able to evidence experience of providing similar services elsewhere in the UK. 8) Evidence of use in defined risk groups e.g. immunocompromised, neonates. 9) NHS Wales Standard Terms and Conditions for the Provision of Good and Services, this may also include KPIs and penalties. 10) The solution must be able to integration to our LIMS. 11) Ability to run a full screen (see essential list section for targets III .1.3) in no more than 3 wells. Stage 1 — Dialogue with interested bidders: The PHW Microbiology Division will invite bidders to present their potential service offer. The purpose of the presentation is to allow the project team to engage the market to determine capability, latest technological developments and ascertain indicative charges to support the development of a business case. The presentation will include a question and answer session that allows both the Microbiology Division and the bidders to raise any points of clarification. For the avoidance of doubt, these presentations will be for information only. To express an interest in attending this dialogue please email: Nadine.stokes@wales.nhs.uk