Centrifuge Operating Tips

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The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Proper Use and Care of the Medical Laboratory Centrifuge. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

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Centrifuge Operating Tips

  • Sample tubes should be evenly filled, taking care not to overfill. Both swing-out and fixed rotors must be loaded symmetrically, with opposing tubes being of the same type and filled to the same mass. For example, if you have a tube filled with 7 mL of sample and another tube with 4 mL of sample you will need two additional tubes in order to load the rotor symmetrically. This is accomplished by filling another tube with 7 mL of water or a liquid of similar density and then a second tube to match the 4 mL sample. (See Figure 1)
    • When loading the rotor, the opposing tubes must be of the same weight in order to “balance” the centrifuge. (See Figure 2)
  • Capped tubes should always remain capped during centrifugation. This not only helps prevent possible contamination by infectious agents but also any dehydration of the fluid contained in the tubes resulting from the centrifugation.