| Centrifugation is one of the most important | | | | of the centrifuge become important factors to think |
| techniques for sample preparation. It has been widely | | | | about. A general purpose bench top centrifuge is |
| adopted and considered as the most efficient way to | | | | sufficient for a clinical laboratory but it won't be |
| separate sample components with different densities. | | | | nearly enough for a bio-banking center. |
| There are wide selections of centrifuges available for | | | | 4. Sample container: Biological samples can be |
| laboratories to choose from. They are varied by | | | | collected or processed in the containers in various |
| sizes, form factor, features and optional accessories. | | | | formats. The sample holder of your centrifuge rotor |
| Choosing a right centrifuge for your laboratory can | | | | should be large enough to accommodate your |
| be daunting task. I would like to present you some | | | | container and allow your sample containers to fit in |
| practical considerations when you are shopping | | | | the holder snugly. |
| around a new centrifuge: | | | | 5. Versatility: How many people are sharing the |
| 1. Applications and Protocols: The single most | | | | centrifuge? Do you use it for the same routine |
| important factor to consider is the applications and | | | | standardized protocol, like routine blood work in a |
| laboratory protocols that your centrifuge plans to | | | | clinical laboratory or for experiments in a research |
| support. Low speed centrifuges are sufficient to | | | | laboratory or as shared resources in a core facility? |
| support the applications for separating particles with | | | | The broader ranges of laboratory protocol the |
| larger mass, such as cells, bacteria and nuclei. High | | | | centrifuge are intended to support the more |
| speed centrifuges are capable of separating | | | | versatility your centrifuge should be. For broader |
| organelles and membrane fractions. The | | | | application, you might want to choose a model that |
| ultracentrifuges can be used separate ribosomes and | | | | supports various rotors or tube holders that will allow |
| polysomes and macromolecules. Although | | | | you to use different containers. On the other hand, if |
| ultracentrifuges can be used to separate cells but | | | | all your centrifuge need to do is serum and plasma |
| they are not typically used to separate cells. | | | | preparation, you might be better to go with a single |
| 2. Relative centrifugal force (RCF): RCF is the | | | | speed 3000 rpm with a simple timer for easy |
| measurement of the acceleration applied to a sample | | | | operation. |
| within a centrifuge and it is measured in units of | | | | 6. Space constraints: Do you have the space for a |
| gravity (× g). RCF can be calculated by the | | | | floor model? Obviously, if your protocol calls for an |
| following formula: | | | | ultra speed centrifuge, you need find a space for a |
| RCF = (1.119 x 10-5) (rpm)^2 (r) | | | | floor model. There are many different options that |
| The higher speed and longer the radius of the rotor | | | | you can choose from bench top models. Space can |
| create higher centrifugal force. A centrifuge with high | | | | be a limiting factor if you need to put the centrifuge |
| RCF are more efficient than the ones with low RCF. | | | | in a very tight space. |
| However, it is not as simple as choosing the highest | | | | Understanding your requirements and limitations are |
| RCF available. Cellular damage can occur in delicate | | | | the first step toward finding the right centrifuge for |
| samples at high RCF. | | | | your laboratory. Bearing with this knowledge, you |
| 3. Sample volume and through put: Laboratory | | | | should have a good idea about what you need. A |
| protocols commonly require minimum sample volume | | | | good sales person should be knowledgeable and |
| to collect enough sample fractions for downstream | | | | provides you good recommendation rather than talk |
| analysis. Other times, you may be required to | | | | you into buying what you don't need. Centrifugation |
| process more samples at the same time to maintain | | | | is a mature technology. With a right choice, a good |
| high efficiency. Either case, the size and form factor | | | | centrifuge should provide you many years of service. |