For the Supply of an Immunohistochemistry System

Descriptions

The Betsi Cadwaladr University Local Health Board (BCULHB) invites competitive tenders for the supply of an Automated Immunohistochemistry System including, but not limited to, Training; Installation & Maintenance. Consumables will also be considered but the BCULHB will reserve the option to maintain an open primary antibody system where we can use primary antibodies from any source for the tests. The main function of the Department of Cellular Pathology (part of the Directorate of Pathology) is for Consultant Histopathologists to make microscopic diagnoses upon tissue samples sent from both within the Trust and the wider health community. Immunohistochemistry is both an established and essential technique upon which many of these diagnoses (and subsequent treatment regimes) depend. The number of slides processed by this technique (currently 10,500 slides per annum) has risen markedly over the last few years, and in order to maintain acceptable turnaround times it has been necessary to automate this process. Currently the BCULHB operates immunohistochemistry sevices across three sites. The Health Board is looking to review and possibly consolidate the immunohistochemistry workload and is looking for a system to help improve both quality and efficiency. The preferred replacement would be a fully automated system which would carry out tissue section dewaxing and antigen retrieval, in addition to immunohistochemical staining ideally allowing continual loading instead of batching requests. This configuration would remove most operator induced errors / variation (thus giving a more consistent result) and would give the maximum opportunity to explore staffing levels / skill mix changes in line with Agenda for Change Benefits Realisation. However, it would be prudent to consider semi-automated systems as technological advances may have streamlined the performance of these machines, and could possibly represent a more cost effective solution. The contract will be for a period of 5 years from date of award with the option to extend in 12 month increments for a further 2 years.The Department has secured capital monies to purchase the analyser system.To acces the Tender (ITT) please visit www.etenderwales.bravosolution.co.uk If you have not already registered, registration is free. All correspondence should be directed through the messaging function of etender wales.