Provision of Pathology Specimen Service for Overseas Bases and Operations

Defence Medical Services (DMS) undertake a comprehensive pathological sample analysis using a framework of services provided wholly by local National Health Service Pathology Services (NHSPS). Permanent overseas locations and those on deployed operations will have reduced laboratory support and as such there is a need to refer some samples to UK facilities in order to support medical needs. Briefly, a Contractor is required to: undertake same day collection and transportation of all samples from the nominated disembarkation point to the Contractor's testing facilities; Undertake analysis of all suitable specimens; Provide technical advice to Authority with respect to haematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology and cellular pathology issues, as required, via an appropriate on-call pathologist/clinical scientist/biomedical scientist, and; Meet turnaround times for providing the results for specimens in accordance with Royal College of Pathologists Key Performance Indicators.