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Sealed Centrifuge Rotors to Help Prevent Laboratory-Acquired Infections

By Kim McDonald, 17 February 2024

Centrifuges are used in nearly every laboratory worldwide to separate serum from plasma in clinical settings, pellet cells for storage, isolate proteins, and purify viral particles. Thus, laboratory centrifuges are one potential source of exposure to infectious material. Because of the high speed at which a centrifuge spins, samples can become aerosolized if the sample tube or vessel is not properly sealed. Additionally, sample vessels that are cracked or not rated to withstand high enough force may fail and leak. Unbalanced rotors may cause excessive stress on sample vessels, resulting in failure. This can pose a risk for researchers and lab workers.

By preventing the escape of liquids or aerosols in the event of a spill or vessel failure, hermetically sealed centrifuge rotors can protect researchers from exposure to potentially infectious samples in clinical and research laboratories. Centrifuges may be equipped with hermetically sealed lids for the entire rotor or for individual buckets.

What is the difference between a fixed-angle and a swing-out rotor?

By Kim McDonald, 27 June 2023

What is the difference between a fixed-angle and a swing-out rotor? In a swing-out rotor, the buckets swing out horizontally, allowing for horizontal centrifugation and sample separation. Samples within a fixed-angle rotor remain at a fixed angle throughout separation, causing sedimentation to occur at an angle. There are pros and cons to each rotor type and applications best suited for each.

Percoll Gradient Centrifugation: What to consider when isolating cells, subcellular particles, and virus

By Kim McDonald, 22 January 2023

Percoll gradients can be used to isolate specific cells, subcellular particles, and viral particles via centrifugation based on their individual densities. Gradients can be pre-formed before the isopycnic separation of cells at low speeds. However, viruses and subcellular particles generally will not efficiently separate on pre-formed gradients. In this case, in situ gradient preparation is needed where the sample is diluted in the Percoll solution prior to centrifugation; particles are separated simultaneously to gradient formation.

I have a cold room, why do I need a refrigerated centrifuge?

By Kim McDonald, 05 October 2022

Though precise temperature control may not be required for many applications, some analytes are temperature-sensitive and require stable temperature control. Refrigerated centrifuges counteract the temperature fluctuations that occur during centrifugation, making them suitable for temperature-sensitive analytes.

What is the best protocol for centrifuging blood to prepare PRF?

By Doran Amos, 10 September 2021

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) can be prepared from a patient's blood to aid in wound healing, but how can the quality of the PRF be maximized? In this article, we summarize the latest evidence about how best to prepare PRF using a centrifuge.

What is the optimal centrifugation protocol for preparing PRP?

By Doran Amos, 17 August 2021

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is widely used to promote tissue repair and bone growth—but what is the best way to prepare it? In this blog, we guide you through the latest research and recommendations on optimizing the collection, centrifugation and storage of PRP...

How to Make a Lab Centrifuge

By Aimee O'Driscoll, 04 July 2021

Want to create your own centrifuge? We review a range of "instructables" including models using paper and string, a salad spinner, and a Dremel tool.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Centrifuge for Your Lab

By Aimee O'Driscoll, 05 December 2019

We discuss the main factors you need to consider when purchasing a lab centrifuge, including maximum RPM and RCF, temperature range, and warranty options.

How to Properly Maintain Your Lab Centrifuge

By Aimee O'Driscoll, 24 October 2019

We reveal the steps to take to keep your lab centrifuge in good working order and prolong the life of the unit.

Selecting the Right Centrifuge Rotor for Your Application

By Aimee O'Driscoll, 18 July 2019

When it comes to centrifuge rotors, there are lots of options to choose from. We explain the main areas you need to consider, including centrifuge and vessel compatibility and rotor style.

RPM and G-Force: Which Is More Important and Why?

By Aimee O'Driscoll, 28 March 2019

We explain the relationship between RPM and RCF, which parameter is most important in centrifugal applications, and how to convert between the two.

Best Practices for Balancing Samples in a Lab Centrifuge

By Aimee O'Driscoll, 12 March 2019

Incorrectly balanced tubes can damage a centrifuge and pose a safety risk to lab personnel. We discuss best practices for balancing samples in a lab centrifuge.

Safety Considerations When Operating a Lab Centrifuge

By Aimee O'Driscoll, 19 December 2018

If used incorrectly, a lab centrifuge can be a dangerous piece of equipment. We explain the steps you can take to mitigate the risks involved in running a lab centrifuge.