National Assessment for the supply of blood glucose and ketone meters, testing strips, and lancets

NHS England (NHSE) is issuing this Prior Information Notice (PIN) to inform suppliers about an upcoming process for the assessment of blood glucose and ketone meters, testing strips, and lancets . The aim of the assessment is to ensure that blood glucose and ketone meters, testing strips and lancets used across the NHS meet the highest standards of accuracy, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

In January 2023, NHSE undertook an assessment to evaluate the clinical and cost effectiveness of meters, test strips and lancets. The assessment included:

• Accuracy of glucose readings
• Reliability and consistency of test results
• Ease of use for patients and healthcare professionals
• Compatibility with various blood glucose meters
• Cost-effectiveness and overall value for money
• Compliance with relevant regulatory standards


Following the assessment and the identification of the preferred blood glucose and ketone meters, testing strips and lancets, Commissioning Recommendations were published in April 2023.

NHSE has recently carried out the annual review and have decided to re-open this assessment.


New Suppliers wishing to be part of the recommendations
Suppliers wishing to participate in the assessment for an opportunity to be included in the updated Commissioning Recommendations are encouraged to monitor the NHS England procurement portal (Atamis) for further updates.

Suppliers who are part of the current recommendations
Suppliers who were successful on the first round of assessments and are listed on the commissioning recommendations need not apply for a full re-assessment, unless the specifications of their products have changed since the initial assessment.

New and Existing Suppliers will also have the opportunity to update their price. If they wish to do so, they will be required to provide evidence that they have submitted the change request to NHS Business Services Authority. Otherwise, the latest price on the drug tariff will be used in the assessment.

This PIN is issued solely for the purpose of informing potential suppliers about an upcoming assessment process. This PIN does not constitute a solicitation for proposals or an invitation to tender, nor does it bind NHSE to conduct any procurement. NHSE reserves the right to amend or cancel the assessment at any time.