Outsourcing of Genetic Testing

Procurement reference

CAV-DIR (25-26) 110

Procurement description

Following the relocation of the All Wales Genomics Laboratory Service (AWMGS) to Cardiff Edge—a strategic move designed to strengthen long-term service capacity and foster innovation—the service has experienced a significant backlog of genetic tests.

This backlog has arisen due to the complexities involved in transitioning laboratory operations, revalidating testing protocols, and managing sustained growth in clinical demand across Wales.

Although progress has been made in stabilising operations since the move, current in-house capacity remains insufficient to consistently meet the turnaround times required for timely, accurate, and equitable patient diagnosis. To reduce the risk of delayed diagnoses and potential impacts on patient outcomes, it is necessary to continue outsourcing genetic testing to SNB Diagnostics Globales S.A.U until April 2026.

This extension will allow AWMGS to recover operationally, maintain continuity of service delivery, uphold clinical standards, and ensure that patients across Wales have fair and timely access to essential genetic testing services.

Failure to maintain this outsourced provision would place the laboratory in an unrecoverable operational position, with serious consequences for service resilience and patient care.

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

SNB Diagnostics Globales S.A.U

Procedure type

Direct award

Description of how these justifications apply

The All Wales Genomics Laboratory Service (AWMGS) is currently unable to meet required turnaround times for genetic testing due to limited in-house capacity following its relocation to Cardiff Edge. The transition has involved complex operational changes, including revalidation of testing protocols and adaptation to increased clinical demand across Wales.

To avoid delays in diagnosis and maintain clinical standards, outsourcing remains essential. SNB Diagnostics Globales S.A.U is the only supplier capable of providing the specific genetic testing services required within the necessary timeframes and quality standards. Their established infrastructure, validated processes, and ability to integrate with AWMGS workflows make them uniquely positioned to deliver continuity of service without compromising patient care.

The genetic testing services provided by SNB Diagnostics Globales S.A.U are highly specialised and cannot be replicated by alternative providers without significant risk to accuracy, timeliness, and compliance. Their bespoke testing protocols, validated against AWMGS requirements, represent a unique combination of technical expertise, operational capacity, and quality assurance that is critical for equitable patient access across Wales.

Disrupting this arrangement would jeopardise service resilience and patient outcomes, as no other provider can deliver this level of integrated performance within the required timeframe.

Direct award justification

Single suppliers technical reasons

Description of risks to contract performance

Extending the contract with SNB Diagnostics Globales S.A.U introduces risks such as dependency on a single supplier, potential cost variations, and the need for strict compliance with data protection and clinical governance standards. Any disruption in supplier performance could affect turnaround times and patient care, while prolonged outsourcing may delay full restoration of in-house capacity. These risks will be managed through robust contract governance, defined KPIs, regular performance reviews, and a clear exit strategy aligned with AWMGS recovery objectives.