---
title: "Requirement for third party HHV-8 antibody screening of deceased organ donors"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-03577a"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-03577a"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-03577a.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-03577a.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Planning"
buyer: "NHS BLOOD AND TRANSPLANT"
published: "2022-07-29"
---

# Requirement for third party HHV-8 antibody screening of deceased organ donors

Buyer: NHS BLOOD AND TRANSPLANT  
Current stage: Planning  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-03577a

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## Summary

The NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) organisation is planning a tender for the requirement of third-party HHV-8 antibody screening for deceased organ donors. This procurement falls under the health services category and is aimed at ensuring universal screening capabilities in the UK. The contract is expected to commence in the second half of September 2022, with prospective suppliers invited to express their interest by emailing aliya.azam@nhsbt.nhs.uk by 12:00 hours on 2nd September 2022. This process is currently in the planning stage, with a formal contract notice to be published if the tender advances.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses engaged in laboratory testing services, particularly those accredited by UKAS. Companies that can provide validated testing assays, with capabilities for rapid turnaround times and secure electronic reporting, would be particularly well-positioned to compete. The contract involves a commitment to deliver essential testing services with a contract term initially set for 24 months, making it an attractive prospect for businesses looking to expand their operations in the healthcare sector.

## Notice

Universal screening for human herpes virus type 8 antibodies is to be added to the portfolio of tests required for deceased organ donor characterisation in the UK. Routine testing for all currently required markers will continue to be performed pre-donation, and on an urgent 24/7 basis by a network of 17 UK-wide NHS diagnostic laboratories. Donor samples will be sent by these laboratories by overnight DX delivery to the NHSBT Microbiology Services Laboratory (MSL) in London. MSL will separate samples on arrival, in readiness for transport to the third-party laboratory where HHV-8 testing will be done. 

Given the intrinsic requirements of deceased organ donation, this testing is to occur in a centralised laboratory with results required in a clinically relevant and timely manner, as close as possible to the point of donation. Close and seamless liaison between MSL and the third-party laboratory will be essential.

### Lot Information

Lot 1

NHSBT will require:

* Testing to be carried out by an UKAS accredited laboratory
* Testing to commence in the second half of September 2022, exact date tbc.
* Business continuity plan for this particular service to be provided by the testing laboratory in order to guarantee the provision of this essential testing 
* Weekly sample numbers of between 20 and 40, with an average of 30 samples (subject to agreed change during the term of the contract), depending on organ donation activity.
* Receipt of samples from the Microbiology Laboratory Services Laboratory in Colindale, London every working day morning (Monday to Fridays except Bank Holidays).
* The ability to test plasma or serum
* Minimum of two assays for screening including detection of antibodies to lytic and latent HHV-8 antigens, with rationale for selection
* At least one assay must be CE marked
* Given the complexity of HHV-8 serology and to guarantee continued testing, it is desirable that other validated, alternative assays are available to complete the testing portfolio
* All assays in-use should be fully validated with provision of evaluation and validation reports
* A confirmatory testing pathway should be in place for screen reactive samples, and must include HHV-8 DNA detection
* Results to be returned to NHSBT electronically via a secure SFTP data file / transfer process
* Final reports on screen negative and screen reactive samples to be sent to NHSBT within 24-48 hours and 48-72 hours from receipt of the sample at the testing laboratory, respectively.
* Turnaround times (TAT); 90% of reports must be received within 3 working days of the sample arriving at the testing laboratory
* Contract term award will initially be 24 months with review after 12 months

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/020820-2022 |
| Notice type | Planning Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Not Specified |
| Procurement method details | Not specified |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Planning |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 29 Jul 2022 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | 28 Jul 2022 |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | Not specified |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Planned |
| Lots status | Planned |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | NHS BLOOD AND TRANSPLANT |
| Locality | BRISTOL |
| Post town | Bristol |
| Postcode | BS34 7QH |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLK South West (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLK5 West of England |
| ITL 3 | TLK52 Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire |
| Local authority | South Gloucestershire |
| Electoral ward | Filton |
| Westminster constituency | Filton and Bradley Stoke |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 85 - Health and social work services

### Codes

- 85100000 - Health services

## Release History

- 29 Jul 2022 at 13:03 - Planning - Planning Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/020820-2022

## Notice URLs

- https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome
- https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/

## Provenance

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