The introduction of a new virus during the Covid-19 pandemic has led to a structurally larger influx of patients with respiratory complaints due to viral infections.

Based on the current volume of diagnostics, a causative agent is found in 30% of patients with complaints in which isolation measures are indicated. Given the limited possibilities for isolation in the UMCU, rapid diagnostics of the causative agent are indispensable. In order to continue to meet this need, UMCU intends to purchase rapid diagnostics capacity. In addition to application to respiratory syndromes, there is also a need to be able to apply such syndrome-oriented rapid diagnostics to other syndromes, such as meningitis/ encephalitis and gastroenteritis.

This concerns the purchase of equipment for microbiological rapid diagnostics for the period 4 years with optional extension of 2 times 2 years. Including all additional costs such as installation costs, coupling costs, training costs, license costs, etc. In addition to purchase costs, a framework agreement is also concluded for the provisions and an all-in maintenance contract is concluded for the aforementioned duration.