Inverted Microscopes with Imaging Capability

Tender description

Purchase and installation of 2 Inverted Microscopes with imaging capability suitable for use within the cleanroom environment. Direct award from NHS Supply Chain, who have awarded a framework contract for Diagnostic, Pathology & Therapy Technologies and Services (2019/S 212-519575) of which Inverted Microscopes form a part of and that NHS National Services Scotland are listed as a named beneficiary on this contract. The Tissues, Cells and Advanced Therapeutics (TCAT) function within SNBTS utilise 2 (two) microscopes with imaging capability within the Jack Copland Centre TCAT Grade B Cleanroom environment to manage the assessment and quantification of Pancreatic Islet Cells post isolation. Microscopes with 0.5mm x 0.5mm gridline graticule and x5 magnification are used to visually assess islets under the appropriate magnification to give a final gridline measurement of 100µm. This allows 2 cleanroom operators to concurrently quantify number of pancreatic islet cells to a diameter of 50µm and calculate islet cell equivalents, a standardised measurement of cell count. Clinical stakeholders often request images of product as part of discussions whether to proceed with transplantation.