A fully automated sectioning machine for producing histologic tissue sections on glass slides from formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue blocks

Outcome: The Request for Information (RFI). The RFI sought to test the marketplace to ascertain if there are providers who can meet the stated requirements and provide the contracting authority with your expertise in this field. For the supply, installation, validation, staff training and maintenance of a fully automated sectioning machine for producing histologic tissue sections on glass slides from formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue blocks. The key high level deliverables that any awarded Tenderer need to achieve as part of this RFI are as follows: 1.1.1 Must be able to and include supply, installation, validation, staff training and maintenance of a fully automated sectioning machine for producing histologic tissue sections on glass slides from formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue blocks. 1.1.2 Automation The machine must be fully automated so that trimmed blocks can be loaded by an operator and sections mounted on glass slides can be unloaded once the process is finished. All processes in between including fine trimming, sectioning using disposable microtome blades, and mounting onto glass slides must be fully automated without any operator input required. 1.1.3 Quality The machine must be able to cut tissue at various thickness from 3 to 8µm using programmable settings and must be compatible with standard tissue processing cassettes. Sectioning must be of a very high standard with a built in quality control check. There must be a barcode reader to identify cassettes and print a unique identifier onto the glass slide. See published RFI for full details on www.etenders.gov.ie REF 4898667 preliminary market consultations.