CENTRIFUGE

1. Definition of Centrifuge
A centrifuge is a laboratory device that is used for the separation of fluids, gas or
liquid, based on density. Separation is achieved by spinning a vessel containing
material at high speed; the centrifugal force pushes heavier materials to the outside of
the vessel. This apparatus is found in most laboratories from academic to clinical to
research and used to purify cells, subcellular organelles, viruses, proteins, and nucleic
acids. There are multiple types of centrifuge, which can be classified by intended use
or by rotor design. From the large floor variety to the micro-centrifuge, there are
many varieties available for the researcher.

2. How to Use Centrifuge

a. Place the centrifuge on a firm, level
surface.
Because of the high speeds at
which the centrifuge spins, it needs
to be housed on a solid, flat surface.
Find a level table or counter that is
secure and can properly support the
weight of the centrifuge.
If you notice the centrifuge
sliding around or the counter
underneath sagging, relocate the
centrifuge to a more stable place.

b. Choose the proper rotor to use at

the speed you need.
The rotor is the piece that spins
your sample. Some rotors have arms
that you can attach smaller buckets
to, while other rotors are one piece
that you place the tubes directly into.
Rotors are designated for specific
tubes and speeds. Use a rotor that fits
the tubes of your sample and is
within the limit of speed needed.
If your samples are in the wrong
type of tube, you may need to
transfer them to the proper type
before spinning.
c. Load the tubes opposite each other
in the centrifuge.
If you are only spinning 1
sample, you will need to make a
balance tube to load directly opposite
the sample tube. If you are spinning
more than 2 tubes, only the ones
directly opposite each other have to
be equal in mass.

d. Enter the centrifugation speed.

Centrifugation speed is often
given in rotations per minute (rpm),
or how many times the rotor
completes a full rotation in one
minute. Speed can also be given in
relative centrifugal force (RCF) or
the G-force on the rotor. Modern day
centrifuges are digital and have
settings for both.
The speed at which you spin
your samples is dependent upon what
you are spinning. Do some online
research if you aren’t sure what
speed to use.
e. Keep a safe distance while the
centrifuge is running.
Bumping or moving the
centrifuge during use can cause an
imbalance and lead to injury. Larger
centrifuges can spin at very high
speeds and are extremely dangerous
if they become unbalanced.

f. Turn off the centrifuge if it is

wobbling.
After starting the centrifuge,
stay close until it gets up to full
speed in case it needs to be turned
off. When a centrifuge is off balance
it may shake or wobble. This can
damage the equipment and can also
lead to injury in severe cases. If you
cannot get to the power button,
simply unplug the centrifuge.
 Many centrifuges will
automatically turn off if it senses
 an unbalanced load, but older
ones may not have this feature. If
the centrifuge begins to shake or
wobble, it is off balance and you
should stop it immediately.
 A small amount of vibration is
normal, but excessive wobbling is
dangerous.
 If your samples are balanced and
the wobble still occurs, stop using
the centrifuge and call for
maintenance.

g. Open the lid only after the rotor

has completely stopped.
Many modern centrifuges have a
lock on them that will not unlock
until the rotor has come to a stop.
Older centrifuges may not have this
feature so make sure the rotor is no
longer moving before opening the
lid. Do not touch the rotors while
they are moving.
Keep power cords away from
the ground to avoid trip hazards that
could move the centrifuge.

h. Remove the tubes carefully after

the centrifuge has completely
stopped spinning.
You want to gently remove the
tubes so that the separated
suspensions do not mix again. You
also want to check to see if any of the
samples have leaked or tubes have
broken.
If a spill occurs, clean the rotor
and buckets immediately.
 i. Wipe down the rotor and
centrifuge after each use.
To keep the centrifuge clean and
running smoothly, lightly clean the
rotor and wipe down the centrifuge at
the end of a run. When you are
finished, leave the lid open so it can
air out and remain dry.

3. How to Clean Centrifuge

Centrifuge interiors are made from a range of materials—plastic, ceramic,

aluminum and stainless steel—that manufacturers use in the search for performance in
a high-stress environment. Manufacturers’ recommendations on the cleaners and
scrubbers to use and method and frequency of application take this into account and
will get the best results.
 Clean the centrifuge daily, or at least weekly.

 Remove the rotor and any sample or container holders.

 Interior cleaning includes the interior bucket, specimen holder, rotor and supports.
 Use a sponge, warm water and a mild detergent such as dishwashing liquid.
 Do not use caustic detergents or any product containing chlorine ions. (Diluted
bleach is sometimes used as a disinfectant, but at full strength can attack stainless
steel and discolor or damage the bowl (see below). A plastic scrub pad can be used,
but products such as steel wool, wire brushes and other abrasives can damage
coatings and lead to corrosion.
 Spills should be wiped up immediately.
 Clean both the exterior and the interior.
 Do not pour water directly into the chamber or flood the inside of the centrifuge
with cleaner. Sensors, gaskets, seals, wiring and other parts that may be present can
be easily damaged. Motors, vacuum pumps, condensers and other expensive parts
can also be damaged by exposure to water and cleaning products.
 Scrub tube cavities with a test tube brush with nonmetallic tip. Dry each part with
an absorbent towel.

4. Type of Centrifuge
a. Benchtop Centrifuges
Benchtop centrifuges are a broad class of
centrifuges characterized by their small bench space
footprint. Depending on the research need, a variety of
different aspects can be considered. Maximum speed
in RCFs can range from as low as a few hundred to to
 over 50,000 x g. Tube volumes can range from under 1 mL (such as with PCR
tubes) to a few liters. Different types of rotors such as fixed angle, swinging
bucket, and continuous flow are also typically interchangeable. Check out our
diverse listings of benchtop centrifuges.

b. Refrigerated Benchtop Centrifuges

Refrigerated Benchtop Centrifuges are compact
instruments ideal for centrifugation of samples that
may be temperature sensitive, such as live cells,
animals or proteins. Many feature interchangeable
rotors and adaptors to accomodate a wide range of
sample volumes from under 1 mL to a few liters. Speeds can also vary, and
some models can reach up to 60,000 x g.

c. Clinical Benchtop Centrifuges

Clinical Benchtop Centrifuges are compact, low-
speed centrifuges ideal for the separation of whole blood
components, such as serum, plasma, buffy coat, red blood
cells, as well as other bodily fluids. Their speeds may
range between around 200 rpm to 6,000 rpm. Most clinical
centrifuges can accommodate common blood draw tubes,
but be sure to check with each vendor for specific tube sizes or tube adaptors.
Check out a variety of clinical benchotop centrifuges from different
manufacturers.

d. Microcentrifuges
Microcentrifuges are staple instruments in many
research laboratories that generally accommodate small
tube volumes such as 2 mL, 1.5 mL, 0.5 mL and PCR
tubes. Microcentrifuges for routine laboratory
procedures typically spin at speeds up to 16,000 x g,
while more specialized instruments can reach speeds up
to 30,000 x g. In addition, manufacturers may also offer
interchangeable rotors and tube adaptors.
Compare a variety of different ambient temperature
microcentrifuges and refrigerated microcentrifuges.

e. Vacuum Centrifuges / Concentrators

Vacuum centrifuges/concentrators can use vacuum, centrifugal force,
temperature and/or gas to remove liquid solvent for the concentration or
dessication of samples. This instrument is ideal for
purification or preparation of samples such as nucleic
acids, proteins, peptides, and other compounds for a variety
of research applications. For evaporation of solvents,
vacuum centrifuges typically utilize built in heating
systems. Check out different vacuum centrifuges or
concentrators here.
5. How to Avoid Accident
 Always place the centrifuge on a flat surface first.
 Always unplug the power cord before cleaning.
 Emergency phone numbers and procedures should be posted and kept up to date.
 Wear disposable gloves.
 Follow your facility’s safety procedures when cleaning and disinfecting the
centrifuge.
 Before moving the centrifuge to a new location, the exterior and interior surfaces
should be cleaned and disinfected.
 Plug in centrifuge only when completely dry.

6. Desinfecting and Decontamination

Disinfect on a regular basis. Approved disinfectants and/or “spill kits” should
be used. A 10% bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) can be used
with some materials: consult manual. After cleaning with a bleach dilution, dispose
of any remaining mix.
Many rotors have sealed compartments that provide aerosol containment and
confine spills of toxic, pathogenic, infectious or radioactive materials. If breakage
occurs, it may be that only the sealed containers require decontamination. It will be
necessary to decontaminate the chamber if a sample-holder in an unsealed carrier
breaks or if any occurrence allows the sample out of the sealed compartment. Allow
sufficient time for the disinfectant to work. If a spill occurs outside a containment
device, follow facility rules on procedures and reporting. The protocols for spills
outside of containment devices, including centrifuges, almost always differ from
those for contained spills, and users of equipment should be aware of the appropriate
steps to promote worker and environmental safety. Spill clean-up requires proper
personal protective equipment (PPE), including a lab coat or gown, and gloves. A
face shield, shoe covers or respirator may be needed as well.
Spills of radioactive substances can often be addressed with a decontamination
solution of 70% ethanol and 10% sodium dodecyl sulfate in water. Parts will need to
be rinsed with ethanol first, and the following decontamination, with deionized
water. Appropriate protective gear should be worn and properly disposed of after
use.
Sumber
Labcompare. 2016. Care and Cleaning of a Centrifuge.
https://www.labcompare.com/191274-Care-and-Cleaning-of-a-Centrifuge/.
Accesed on January, 1st 2019.
Ruff, Bess. 2017. How to Use a Centrifuge. https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-
Centrifuge. Accesed on January, 1st 2019.
Biocompare. 2016. Laboratory Centrifuges. https://www.biocompare.com/Lab-
Equipment/Laboratory-Centrifuges/. Accesed on January, 2nd 2019.