The Welsh Blood Service (WBS) is seeking to engage with the market regarding the future procurement of an advanced automated haematology analysis system to support blood donor assessment, blood component quality monitoring, research and innovation activities. The proposed solution will be required to provide automated full blood count (FBC) analysis, 5-part white cell differential capability and integrated reticulocyte analysis on the primary analyser. Of particular interest are systems capable of generating the data required to support emerging donor health assessment methodologies, including FlowScore calculation and reticulated haemoglobin analysis for the early detection of iron deficiency in blood donors.
The future requirement is expected to include advanced analytical capabilities that support the unique operational needs of a blood establishment. These include fluorescence platelet counting with high accuracy at low platelet concentrations, reticulated platelet measurement, low-level white cell enumeration suitable for blood component quality monitoring, and the ability to perform blood component testing without the need for separate instrumentation. Suppliers should be able to demonstrate how their platforms support routine blood component quality control programmes through dedicated blood bank functionality and provide evidence of successful implementation within blood services, blood centres or comparable blood establishments.
WBS is particularly interested in solutions that are supported by robust External Quality Assessment (EQA/EQAS) programmes and can demonstrate meaningful peer group benchmarking through sufficient participant numbers using the same analyser platform and methodology. Suppliers should be able to demonstrate compliance with applicable medical device regulations, support quality and regulatory requirements through a mature quality management system and provide resilient service and maintenance arrangements that minimise downtime and ensure continuity of critical testing services.
This notice is intended to inform the market of WBS's future requirements and to encourage engagement from suppliers capable of supporting the evolving needs of blood donor care, blood component quality assurance and transfusion medicine research.
Interested parties are invited to email nwssp.procurementcataloguepathology@wales.nhs.uk with details of their suitable analyser by Tuesday 8th August 2026. We may engage further with interested parties once responses have been received.