Different Types of Laboratory Centrifuges

A centrifuge is a device used to separate fluids based on density. Separation is carried out by spinning a vessel that contains the material at high speed. The centrifugal force then pushes the heavier materials outside the vessel. Centrifuges are typically found in clinical to academic laboratories.

There are different kinds of centrifuges. They are usually designed by rotor design or intended use. From micro centrifuges to the large floor variety, there are various options to choose from.

Benchtop Centrifuges

These centrifuges are known for their small bench space footprint. Depending on the research that will be done, different aspects will be considered. The maximum speed in RCFs can vary from a few hundred to over 30,000 x g.

Clinical Centrifuges

These centrifuges are compact and low-speed. Clinical centrifuges are considered ideal for separating whole blood components like red blood cells, serum, plasma, and other bodily fluids.

Speeds can range from 200 rpm to 6,000 rpm. Many clinical centrifuges can easily accommodate conventional blood draw tubes. However, it is ideal to check for the specific tube adaptors or the tube sizes.

Microcentrifuges

These are considered staple devices in many research laboratories. Generally, microcentrifuges can accommodate small tube volumes (i.e., 2ml, 1.5ml, and 0.5ml)  and PCR tubes.

Microcentrifuges that are typically used for routine laboratory procedures usually spin at speed up to 30,000 g.

Different Types of Laboratory Centrifuges

A centrifuge is a device used to separate fluids based on density. Separation is carried out by spinning a vessel that contains the material at high speed. The centrifugal force then pushes the heavier materials outside the vessel. Centrifuges are typically found in clinical to academic laboratories.

There are different kinds of centrifuges. They are usually designed by rotor design or intended use. From micro centrifuges to the large floor variety, there are various options to choose from.

Benchtop Centrifuges

These centrifuges are known for their small bench space footprint. Depending on the research that will be done, different aspects will be considered. The maximum speed in RCFs can vary from a few hundred to over 30,000 x g.

Clinical Centrifuges

These centrifuges are compact and low-speed. Clinical centrifuges are considered ideal for separating whole blood components like red blood cells, serum, plasma, and other bodily fluids.

Speeds can range from 200 rpm to 6,000 rpm. Many clinical centrifuges can easily accommodate conventional blood draw tubes. However, it is ideal to check for the specific tube adaptors or the tube sizes.

Microcentrifuges

These are considered staple devices in many research laboratories. Generally, microcentrifuges can accommodate small tube volumes (i.e., 2ml, 1.5ml, and 0.5ml)  and PCR tubes.

Microcentrifuges that are typically used for routine laboratory procedures usually spin at speed up to 30,000 g.