The In and Outs of a Medical Centrifuge

• A centrifuge is an equipment which is driven by an electric motor that puts an object in rotation around a fixed axis thus applying a force perpendicular to the axis. the way the centrifuges works is by implementing the sedimentation principle.

• Here the denser substances are usually separated out along with radial direction. At the same time the lighter objects move to the top.

• A medical centrifuge is usually a laboratory centrifuge that is used for testing liquid samples and substances like blood.

• A centrifuge in a medical laboratory is quite common since it is a unique and useful equipment.

Functions and uses of a Medical Centrifuge:

• Medical centrifuges can be found in either a doctor’s office, a hospital or in a laboratory. These devices are of great value and are applicable in several different tasks.

• They are often used for the study of viruses, polymers, proteins,  nucleic acids and blood. They are very useful in separating serum and plasma from blood and solids from liquids.

• The timers on the medical centrifuge comes in handy when used for extensive periods of time. It is in fact the high speed spin that makes the necessary difference and facilitates the process of separation.

• The medical centrifuge are capable of high speed though there are available in many different speed settings and the speed is usually changeable in each.

• A times it is required to use very high speed medical centrifuge devices. In such cases the devices also need to be fastened down to the table to keep them steady. Such units are often bench top units.

• These faster centrifuge devices are usually used for the disunion of gases to resolve molecular weight of obvious liquids. At times the substances consist of sensitive material and are governed by several climatic characteristics.

Types of Medical centrifuge:

• There are many different types of medical centrifuges available just like other medical devices. For example there are micro-centrifuges, plasma preparation, micro hematocrit, PCR, cytology, bench top and refrigerated centrifuges.

• Additionally centrifuges are also available in tabletop and floor standing models.

Benefits of a Medical Centrifuge:

• There are several benefits of a medical centrifuge. For example if your sample is sensitive to temperature it is necessary for you to maintain the necessary temperature levels of the sample in order for the readings to be of some use. In such cases by using a medical centrifuge that possess the refrigeration feature will work just perfectly.

• Many of the medical centrifuge devices have the feature where there is an automatic lid lock.

• It is highly likely that you are using the centrifuge for toxic or hazardous substances. in such cases this feature can come in handy. Additionally medical centrifuges also have other additional features like a system to guard against imbalance as well as over-speed running.

Speed of medical Centrifuge:

• Medical Centrifuges devices are usually capable of very high speeds which complements the requirements basically.

• The speed that is available often varies quite a bit like it can range from as little as eight hundred revolutions per minute up to a very fast two and a half million revolutions per minute.

Overview of Medical Centrifuge

• Laboratory Centrifuges are mainly used for testing liquids and substances like blood as far as medical and clinical trials are concerned.

• The process is known as centrifugation and involves the use of centrifugal forces to separate the liquid and mixtures.

• It is quite common to use the process of centrifugation in medical science, laboratory testing and biomedical research.

Factors to look out for when considering a medical centrifuge:

• The purchase of medical equipment can be quite difficult at times with many factors to consider.

• This guide intends to help you out when purchasing equipment used in medical laboratory, specially a Medical Centrifuge.

Here are a few factors to consider:

Type:

• These include micro-centrifuge, plasma preparation, PCR, microhematocrit, cytology and bench top, refrigerated centrifuges.

• In addition to this centrifuges are also available in tabletop and floor standing models.

Accuracy:

• Accuracy is a very important factor and thus it is vital that you choose a quality product and buy from a well-known manufacturer.

Warranty:

• It is a good idea to check the warranty provided by the manufacturer.

Service and repairs:

• Many manufacturers offer prompt service and even come to you.

• This saves you the need of moving the equipment ; this is something that you need to consider when selecting a medical centrifuge.

Size:

• Centrifuges come in many different sizes and shapes and their prices too depends on those factors. For example the iFuge BL 08 from Neuation has a dimension of 162 x 157 x 115 mm while the iFuge M12P has a dimension of 230 x 262 x 131 mm.

• Thus it is vital to make sure you have all your requirements ready and available when you are buying one.-.

Capacity:

• The capacity of the medical centrifuge is of great importance. For example a bench top model would be suitable for a small laboratory while larger model of a centrifuge would be required for high throughput laboratories which would be able to offer a larger number of tubes per run.  For example the rotor capacity for the iFuge M12P Centrifuge from Neuation is 12 micro-tubes of 1.5 to 2.0 ml.

Speed:

• Another very important factor is the actual speed and g force required.

• Making sure that the device you select has the speed level settings that you desire is another point to look out for. As an example the speed for the iFuge M12P centrifuge from Neuation is 15000 RPM (15596 x g).

Temperature:

• As discussed there are various different types of centrifuges available depending on the requirements.

• In the sense the centrifuge could be either refrigerated or non refrigerated.

• Opting for the refrigerated option with help you protect the samples from heat. This is sometimes required in medical laboratories, especially when dealing with blood samples.

Tube dimensions:

• The tubes may be made of either glass or plastic and also differ in dimensions.

• Thus it is necessary to have the appropriate information regarding specific requirements in order to make an educated decision.

Power Supply:

• The centrifuge power supply requirements may vary and thus it is in good practice to verify that the centrifuge’s power requirements are compatible with what you have.

Specifications:

Medical equipment specifications are of great importance. The features and technical specifications to look out for are as mentioned below: -Can we provide details for Neuation product?

• Applications and capability
• Programmable or standard
• Refrigerated or non refrigerated
• Protocols for centrifugation
• Sample volume and throughput
• Dimensions of the tubes
• Speed
• Safety
• Hermetically sealable lids on rotor or buckets
• Motor and noise level.