24/01139 Contract award, Instrument for extraction of DNA/RNA from viruses with consumables and service - FHI

The Department of Virology at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health shall procure an extraction instrument that enables extraction of DNA and RNA from viruses in different sample materials for further molecular analyses such as PCR and sequencing/NGS. The instrument is mainly intended for extraction of hepatitis virus, but other viruses may also be relevant. The extraction platform shall be particularly suitable for extraction of viruses (i.e. hepatitis A, B, C, D and E) from plasma and serum (in 2023 nucleic acid extraction was carried out by FHI of approx. 1,000 hepatitis virus samples; approx. 600 for RNA and 400 dna for further PCR analyses and sequencing/NGS, but the number will vary depending on the project and the number of samples submitted). Furthermore, the instrument should also be suitable for the extraction of virus DNA/RNA from sample materials such as urine, spit, faeces, LBC (liquid based cytology - cervix cervology samples), fresh tissue and formal in fixated tissue. Emphasis will be put on the instrument being flexible as regards sample volume, eluat volume and the number of samples that can be extracted simultaneously. The instrument shall be able to analyse a minimum of 24 samples at the same time, and the extraction process should be as automated as possible. It is not desirable to have a large instrument, both due to limited space in the laboratory and a limited number of samples, so weighting of space efficient equipment (i.e. "bench-top" instrument). Input sample volume (including dead volume) should be 500μl or less. The flexible input volume or different protocols, for example 200, 500 and 1000ul, are sufficient. The flexible electrical installation volume is desirable, ideally down to 50μl, or lower. Emphasis will also be put on traceability of samples and kits. We would like to have a bar code reader and/or an option for the import/export of sample ID to/from LIMS. The price per sample shall as far as possible be independent of the number of samples set up. Documentation is wanted from studies that show comparing hepatitis virus extraction outcomes against one of the most common extraction platforms, such as MagNApure96, easyMAG/eMAG or QIAamp kits, as well as suitability for NGS analyses. In addition FHI would like to carry out a comparative testing of all tenderers in the competition, so that tenderers who wish to participate in the competition must be able to fulfil the following criteria: Give FHI the possibility to send sample material to the supplier (or to the user laboratory in accordance with instructions from the tenderer) who further carry out extractions of up to 48 hepatitis virus samples (serum/plasma) and send the eluat back to FHIVIKTIG: Tests for testing will be available for tenderers at FHI from day two after the submission deadline. The tests (extraction of up to 48 hepatitis samples) shall be carried out during weeks 42-43 and FHI shall be delivered by 25.10.2024, 12:00. After this date FHI will carry out further tests of the eluats as well as virus exchange and suitability for the intended use. This result will be of great importance in the selection of the ectraction platform. A product procurement contract will be signed for the instrument and a framework agreement for consumables/reagents.

38437000 - Laboratory pipettes and accessories