Proper Use and Care of the Medical Laboratory Centrifuge (Online CE Course)

(based on 700 customer ratings)

Author: Garland E. Pendergraph, PhD, JD, MLS(ASCP)SM, HCLD/CC(ABB)
Reviewer: Alexandru Casapu, MBA, MLS(ASCP)CM, PBTCM

How to Subscribe
MLS & MLT Comprehensive CE Package
Includes 179 CE courses, most popular
$109Add to cart
Pick Your Courses
Up to 8 CE hours
$55Add to cart
Phlebotomy CE Package$59Add to cart
Individual course$25Add to cart
Need multiple seats for your university or lab? Get a quote

The purpose of this program is to supplement the instruction manuals that accompanied the centrifuges in your laboratory. The primary intention is to provide an overview of the basic principles of centrifugation, safety during centrifugation, and the care of centrifuges.

See all available courses

Continuing Education Credits

P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours (acceptable for AMT, ASCP, and state recertification): 1 hour(s)
Approved through 6/30/2025
Approved through 6/30/2025

Objectives

  • Recall the major events in the development of the centrifuge.
  • Summarize the operating principles of centrifugation.
  • Name and locate the major parts of a centrifuge.
  • Contrast the different classifications of centrifuges and point out their applications.
  • Compute Rotations per Minute (RPM) to Relative Centrifugal Force (RCF) and vice versa and illustrate when this procedure might be required.
  • Explain the process and safety precautions that should be followed when operating a centrifuge.
  • Generate examples of ways to maximize the performance of centrifuges with scheduled maintenance.

Customer Ratings

(based on 700 customer ratings)

Course Outline

Click on the links below to preview selected pages from this course.

Additional Information

Level of Instruction:  Basic
Intended Audience: Medical laboratory scientists, medical technologists, and technicians. This course is also appropriate for medical laboratory science students and pathology residents.
Author Information: Garland E. Pendergraph, PhD, JD, MLS(ASCP)SM, HCLD/CC(ABB) received his MSPH from the University of Kentucky, his PhD in medical parasitology/entomology and mycology from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, and his law degree with a concentration in health care law from Concord Law School, Purdue University. He also did a Fellowship in Tropical Medicine at Louisiana State University School of Medicine. He is the author of a textbook in phlebotomy, a number of scientific articles, plus internet training programs. He is licensed as a laboratory director in the State of Georgia.
Reviewer Information: Alexandru Casapu, MBA, MLS(ASCP)CM, PBTCM has over 20 years of experience as a medical laboratory scientist, section supervisor, and laboratory manager. He is the former Director of Clinical Laboratory Technology Program at Georgia Piedmont Technical College. He is currently a Program Director at MediaLab, Inc. Alexandru holds BS degrees in Biology and Medical Technology from Clark Atlanta University and a MBA from the University of Georgia.
Course Description: The purpose of this program is to supplement the instruction manuals that accompanied the centrifuges in your laboratory. The primary intention is to provide an overview on the basic principles of centrifugation, safety during centrifugation, and the care of centrifuges. 

How to Subscribe
MLS & MLT Comprehensive CE Package
Includes 179 CE courses, most popular
$109Add to cart
Pick Your Courses
Up to 8 CE hours
$55Add to cart
Phlebotomy CE Package$59Add to cart
Individual course$25Add to cart
Need multiple seats for your university or lab? Get a quote
Tabletop centrifuge


Before and after centrifugation


Biocontainment Lids


Centrifuge Balancing


Hand operated early centrifuges


Low speed benchtop centrifuge


Major components of a centrifuge


Microcentrifuge and ultracentrifuge