What is a centrifuge in medicine

A centrifuge is a medical device designed to perform laboratory tests and prepare blood for procedures. Medical procedures - blood transfusion, plasmapheresis, plasma lifting, involve the use of plasma. To obtain plasma, blood is processed in a centrifuge.

A modern laboratory centrifuge is needed to diagnose various diseases. Multifunctional models are equipped with software, which allows to minimize the operator's participation in the research process. Many devices automatically adjust the settings and perform work taking into account the needs. The use of models with intelligent functions simplifies the operator's work and reduces the likelihood of medical errors.

Operating principle of a centrifuge

The design and operation of a centrifuge are closely related to the centripetal force acting on objects that rotate around an axis. The operating principle of a centrifuge is based on the separation of dispersed liquids, which consist of fractions with different specific gravity. Separation occurs due to the intensive rotation of a rotor filled with test tubes with samples of biological material. The motor rotates the rotor, test tubes and containers with samples are centrifuged. Particles with a lower specific gravity are concentrated near the rotating axis. Fractions with a higher specific gravity are removed from the rotating axis.

Centrifugation allows fractions to be separated faster than by settling or filtration. The method is ahead of separation methods using squeezing and filtering. The separation speed depends on the radius of rotation of the rotor part and the number of revolutions per minute.

To understand how a centrifuge works, you need to remember the nature of the action of centrifugal force. Centripetal force affects particles with different density, size and mass differently. Centrifugal force is directed from the central point of rotation, increases proportionally to the increase in the speed of the rotor.

An example of centrifugation is the sedimentation of heavy components of physiological fluid at the bottom of the test tube, light ones - on the walls of the vessel. Due to the separation of biological material into individual components, the accuracy of test results increases. 

Purpose of a centrifuge

Centrifugation in medicine is one of the ways to obtain laboratory test results. The technique is used in the diagnosis of numerous diseases. What is a centrifuge needed for in a laboratory:

• separation of biological fluids into fractions;

• sedimentation of cells and their components - subcellular structures;

• concentration of substances;

• obtaining purified proteins, DNA and RNA molecules, other structural components of physiological fluids;

• obtaining plasma, serum and other blood derivatives.

The device is necessary for preparing blood and urine samples for further microscopic and microbiological examination. Equipment for centrifuging cells is used to make blood products, conduct genetic tests, and produce vaccines.

Centrifuge in medicine: scope of application

A centrifuge in medicine is a popular equipment for equipping clinical diagnostic laboratories in medical institutions of various profiles, blood transfusion stations, research centers.

Types of centrifuges

To make the right choice, you need to understand what a centrifuge is and how different models differ. Devices designed for laboratory research differ in their characteristics:

• volume of processed blood;

• speed of processing biological material;

• additional options (separation of biological material into fractions, cooling and heating of samples, automatic lid opening after testing).

High-speed models separate blood into fractions at the molecular level. Devices that operate at low speeds carefully separate blood into plasma and cellular elements without damaging the cells. Universal centrifuges are suitable for performing different tasks due to the option of selecting a speed mode. The main types of centrifuges:

• General laboratory. They are distinguished by natural cooling due to the rotation of the rotor. The temperature of the sample material is usually room temperature or slightly higher.

• Educational. Designed for experiments and research in educational institutions. Features - low rotation speed, increased level of operational safety.

• Specialized. Designed for narrow tasks of a specific industry, for example, pharmacology or hematology.

Depending on the rotor speed, there are high-speed, low-speed and high-speed models with indicators of more than 40 thousand rpm, up to 25 thousand rpm, within 25-40 thousand rpm, respectively.

Classification of centrifuges involves distinguishing models by installation location - floor, tabletop. Usually, the weight of tabletop devices does not exceed 100 kg. Tabletop models are installed on flat, horizontal surfaces in laboratories. A mandatory detail is anti-slip feet or pads that prevent the device from shifting and falling during intensive rotation of the rotor.

When installing a tabletop model, provide free space in a radius of at least 30 cm. It is not recommended to install two or more centrifuges on one table. Dissonance during rotation of devices can provoke increased vibrations. Floor centrifuges are used in large medical or scientific centers.

Centrifuge in medicine: how to choose

The catalog of the Rad Pharm company presents professional medical equipment from reliable global brands. To enhance the reputation of a medical institution and improve the quality of patient care, you need to buy a blood centrifuge, biochemical and hematological analyzers, venous scanners and other devices necessary for accurate diagnostics. Modern laboratory equipment determines results automatically with minimal operator involvement.

High-quality, reliable diagnostic equipment speeds up the patient examination process and minimizes the likelihood of medical errors. Centrifuges differ in technical characteristics and functionality. What criteria to pay attention to when choosing:

• Centrifuge rotation speed. Affects the efficiency of separating the test material into fractions and determines the time required to obtain the result.

• Separation factor (G-factor). Shows the difference between the acceleration indicators of the device and free fall.

• Discreteness. The ability to change the rotor speed taking into account current tasks.

• Volume. The indicator determines how many samples of material can be tested simultaneously in the device.

Additional options increase the functionality of the device and simplify the control process. The automatic lid lock prevents accidental opening of the device, falling out and damaging samples. The heating and cooling system is designed to create an optimal temperature regime for processing biological material. The price factor plays a large role, which affects the payback and profitability of a medical institution.