NCI services

Types of service 

Listed below are details about the types of services we offer, some with example applications. 

Development of, or use in the manufacture of, medicinal products and medical devices

Some example applications are assay or test kit development, or as an active element of commercial products; grouping reagent manufacture (where not in conflict with work being undertaken by NHS Blood and Transplant Reagents).

Education and training

Education and training are carried out under the auspices of a bona fide institution and usually within a recognised course or training programme.

Genetic analysis 

We capture consent for non identifiable genetic analysis as part of our standard donor consent process.

In vitro diagnostics, quality assurance, quality control

Diagnostic laboratories may use blood components to determine normal ranges for diagnostic tests, as normal controls or for the calibration/validation of equipment and processes.

Quality assurance

Some example applications are external quality assurance (EQA) schemes and laboratory controls schemes to determine foetal red cells in maternal samples. 

Research and development for the purpose of improving health and patient outcomes

This is R&D either in vitro or involving clinical use of the blood, cells or tissues, but not for direct transfusion or transplantation into patients.

Transfusion and transplantation service development

Some example applications are blood pack or test kit validation, or the introduction of a new process or test.

Page last updated: 26 May 2026