WID-Easy swab test (Pilot) at RUH Bath
Estimated Value
Up to £422,400
Deadline
Not specified
Published
8 May 2026
Type
services
Overview
Provision of a full end to end testing service, covering the supply of sampling kits, transportation of samples, and reporting of results. The test uses a simple vaginal swab to help detect or rule out the risk of endometrial (womb) cancer in women experiencing abnormal bleeding.
The Authority is seeking to procure a comprehensive end-to-end testing service. This will include the supply of sampling kits, transportation of samples, and the reporting of test results.
An initial pilot programme is scheduled to commence in June 2026 and will run for a period of eleven (11) months. During this pilot phase, it is anticipated that approximately 320 tests will be undertaken.
AI Analysis
Powered by AI — always verify against official documents
The Royal United Hospital (RUH) Bath needs a complete testing service to run a pilot programme for a new vaginal swab test that detects endometrial (womb) cancer in women with abnormal bleeding. You'll need to supply the swab kits, collect and transport the samples, and report the results back to the hospital. The pilot runs for 11 months starting June 2026 with around 320 tests expected.
Requirements
- Ability to supply sterile vaginal sampling kits suitable for endometrial cancer screening
- Safe and compliant transportation of biological samples (likely requires courier service with temperature control and tracking)
- Laboratory capability to process and test samples accurately, or partnership with an accredited lab
- ISO 15189 accreditation (or equivalent) for medical laboratory testing
- Secure and timely reporting system for test results back to RUH Bath
- Compliance with UK Health and Safety Executive regulations for handling biological materials
- Data protection and patient confidentiality procedures (GDPR compliance)
- Quality assurance and audit trail procedures for all samples
- Insurance and indemnity coverage for medical testing services
Key Tasks & Deliverables
- Design, manufacture, or source sterile vaginal swab sampling kits appropriate for endometrial cancer detection
- Supply approximately 320+ sampling kits to RUH Bath (with extras for pilot contingency)
- Arrange reliable collection and transportation of swab samples from the hospital to testing location
- Conduct laboratory testing on all 320 samples during the 11-month pilot period
- Generate and deliver test result reports to RUH Bath in a format suitable for clinical use
- Manage sample tracking and ensure traceability throughout the entire process
- Provide documentation and support for the pilot evaluation and any regulatory submissions
How to Read This Tender
- 1This is a 'full end-to-end service' — that means you're responsible for everything from kit supply through to final reporting. Don't assume the hospital will handle any part of the chain.
- 2Look carefully at the pilot timeline: June 2026 start means you need to be ready 6+ months before that for manufacturing, regulatory approvals, and testing protocols. Build in buffer time.
- 3The '320 tests' figure is an estimate, not a guarantee. Check the full tender documents for: minimum order quantities, unit pricing structure, and what happens if volumes are higher or lower than expected.
- 4Medical testing services are heavily regulated. Expect to provide evidence of lab accreditation, quality standards, and compliance with Health and Safety Executive rules. This isn't a simple supply contract — it's clinical.
- 5Watch for hidden costs: sample collection containers, courier insurance, report formatting, data management systems, and contingency stock. These often aren't obvious from the headline description.
Tips for Small Businesses
- If you're a kit supplier but don't have lab capability, consider forming a consortium with an accredited medical laboratory early. Joint bids are common in healthcare and reduce your risk.
- The pilot nature is important: RUH may use this to evaluate you for a larger roll-out contract. Deliver flawlessly on these 320 tests and position yourself for future expansion. Include 'scalability plans' in your bid.
- Social value scoring often applies to NHS contracts. Highlight any training you'll provide to hospital staff, local employment, or support for women's health initiatives — this can differentiate you from larger competitors.
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How to Apply
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Useful Resources
Key Dates
Published
8 May 2026
Submission deadline
Not specified
Notice type
planning
Source
find a tender
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