Benchtop Centrifuges
Medical Application of Centrifuges in Laboratories
Centrifuges are an important part of medical labs and surgeries, but also in the field of research. They are used to separate substances of different densities from each other. For example, benchtop centrifuges can be used to separate blood cells such as erythrocytes, leukocytes and thrombocytes from blood serum. This allows the resulting product to be analysed more precisely and reliably.
But centrifugation also plays an important role in the examination of urine samples. However, since erythrocytes and leukocytes in urine can be destroyed more quickly by high speeds, it is important that the samples are centrifuged more gently. The speed and duration of centrifugation for each laboratory test depends on the substance to be evaluated.
Different Rotor Types of Laboratory Centrifuges
In general, laboratory centrifuges differ mainly in their rotor types. The benchtop centrifuges offered in our shop have either an angle rotor or a swing-out rotor. While the samples are centrifuged at a constant angle with an angle rotor, the angle adapts to the sample with a swing-out rotor.
The advantage of benchtop centrifuges with an angle rotor is that they are used at higher speeds and a higher relative centrifugal acceleration, which in turn result in shorter centrifugation times. In addition, laboratory centrifuges with such a rotor offer a high capacity for a larger number of samples to be centrifuged simultaneously. However, if you want to handle more sensitive samples with your laboratory centrifuge, you should preferably opt for devices with a swing-out rotor. These are used for sedimentation at a lower RCF (up to approx. 6000 x g) and therefore enable gentle centrifugation.
Since the separation takes place in the bottom centre of the sample vessel, the individual fragments are easily recognisable and reliably separated from each other. In our online shop you will find, for instance, the high-quality iFuge L400P 12 x 15 ml swing out rotor (PRP), which is even suitable to produce of PRP (platelet-rich plasma)..
Practical Features of Benchtop Centrifuges
Since the samples used in laboratories are stored in a wide variety of vessels, it is advantageous if the centrifuge has adapters for different laboratory vessels. For example, the iFuge D12 microcentrifuge from the manufacturer Neuation Technologies is designed as standard for centrifugation of 1.5 ml and 2 ml tubes. To centrifuge samples in smaller laboratory vessels, an additional adapter is included in the scope of delivery, which can be easily inserted and used. This way, it is guaranteed that any clinical samples can be treated and subjected to analysis.
When loading the centrifuge, it is important to ensure that the sample tubes are loaded symmetrically so that the risk of imbalance during centrifugation under the high kinetic energy is reduced. Many of the tabletop centrifuges we offer are also equipped with an unbalance control. The Hettich haematocrit centrifuge with a maximum speed of 13,000 RPM and a maximum capacity of 20 or 24 capillaries, for example, is equipped with this function so that the centrifuge switches off automatically if an imbalance occurs. In general, Hettich centrifuges are among the more popular electric benchtop centrifuges in our range because of their outstanding function and precision.
Laboratory Centrifuges for Every Medical Application
Depending on the processing step, it is not always necessary to centrifuge samples in 1.5 ml Eppendorf tubes at high speeds. In many laboratories, mini centrifuges, such as the compact M08 microcentrifuge with transparent lid and both a standard rorot and a PCR rotor included in the delivery, are also part of the indispensable equipment. This is preferably used to prevent the spread of germs during the preparation of samples by centrifuging down liquids that are contained in the lid of the Eppendorf tube, for example, because of previous vertexing. This ensures that the liquid does not escape in droplet form when the laboratory vessel is opened. Small benchtop centrifuges have lower speeds than their larger counterparts.
You would like to buy a centrifuge for your laboratory or practice or need more information about our products? We will be happy to advise you and help you find your desired benchtop centrifuge or small centrifuge! Simply contact our customer service via online chat or by phone and email.