What is centrifuge and its function?
A centrifuge is used to separate particles suspended in a liquid according to particle size and density, viscosity of the medium, and rotor speed. Within a solution, gravitational force will cause particles of higher density than the solvent to sink, and those less dense than the solvent to float to the top.
How does a blood centrifuge work?
A machine called a centrifuge spins your blood to separate your red blood cells, platelets and plasma. As the blood is separated, the heavier reds cells sink to the bottom and are given back to you.
What is the importance of a centrifuge?
A centrifuge is a piece of laboratory equipment used to separate heterogeneous mixtures. When the apparatus containing the mixture spins at a high speed, the centrifugal force pushes the heavier material to the bottom of the vessel. This helps separate the mixture based on differences in the density of the materials.
What happens if you don’t balance the centrifuge?
Centrifuges, which operate at high speed, have great potential for injuring users if not operated properly. Unbalanced centrifuge rotors can result in injury or death. Rotors are rated for a maximum speed and a load of specific weight. Improper loading and balancing can cause the rotors to dislodge while spinning.
What happens if centrifuge is not balanced?
If the centrifuge is not balanced the centrifuge will be unstable, and it will not spin at the right speed! To balance a centrifuge, put samples in the centrifuge so they are directly across from each other. If you only have one tube to centrifuge, you should balance it with a “blank” tube (a tube filled with water).
How is a centrifuge balanced?
Balancing your centrifuge is as simple as it is critical. In practice, it means that for each sample placed in the centrifuge, a sample of exactly the same weight must be placed on the exact opposite side of the rotor, as if joined by a line directly through the centre of the rotor.
How do you maintain a centrifuge?
Clean the centrifuge daily, or at least weekly. Remove the rotor and any sample or container holders. Interior cleaning includes the interior bucket, specimen holder, rotor and supports. Use a sponge, warm water and a mild detergent such as dishwashing liquid.
How do you stop a centrifuge?
Even though many centrifuges have a “safety shutoff” if the lid is opened, the only thing this does is stop powering the rotor. The rotor will still spin due to its own inertia for a while until friction slows and eventually stops it. 4. If you see it wobbling or shaking, turn it off or pull the plug.
What precautions should be made when using a centrifuge?
Do not bump, jar, or move the centrifuge while the rotor is spinning. Instruct all other persons in the area to stay clear of the unit while it’s operating. Make sure you don’t have the cord dangling from a table edge where someone could catch their foot in it and pull down the centrifuge.
Can centrifuge kill you?
When a centrifuge spinning at tens of thousands of rpm crashes, the device becomes a kind of centrifugal fragment bomb that can destroy a lab and cripple or kill anyone nearby.
What should you not do with a centrifuge?
Centrifuge Operation
- Do not leave centrifuge until full operating speed is reached and appears to be running safely without incident.
- Stop centrifuge immediately if you notice any unusual noises or shaking.
- To prevent rotor failure, do not exceed maximum speed and maximum mass limits for the rotor.
Why should you wait for a centrifuge to stop on its own?
Do NOT slow the rotor with your hand! This can result in injury AND it will stir up the solution you were attempting to separate by centrifugation. Wait for the rotor to come to a complete stop before attempting to remove your test tubes. After about 30 seconds of centrifugation most precipitates will have settled.
How does temperature affect centrifugation?
The energy within a spinning centrifuge causes the temperature within the centrifuge to increase. The stability of certain analytes is affected by an increase in temperature, and refrigeration helps to maintain the sample stability.
How do you open a centrifuge?
Open the lid only after the rotor has completely stopped. Many modern centrifuges have a lock on them that will not unlock until the rotor has come to a stop. Older centrifuges may not have this feature so make sure the rotor is no longer moving before opening the lid. Do not touch the rotors while they are moving.
What are the rules for using a centrifuge?
Wear a face shield and / or safety goggles if you have to work anywhere near a centrifuge that’s in use. 6. Do not bump, jar, or move the centrifuge while the rotor is spinning. Make sure you don’t have the cord dangling from a table edge where someone could catch their foot in it and pull down the centrifuge.
Why is a centrifuge important?
A centrifuge is a laboratory device that is used for the separation of fluids, gas or liquid, based on density. Separation is achieved by spinning a vessel containing material at high speed; the centrifugal force pushes heavier materials to the outside of the vessel.
What is the one thing you should do when using a centrifuge?
At what speed do you centrifuge blood?
Do not centrifuge immediately after drawing blood. Allow the blood to clot in an upright position for at least 30 minutes but not longer than 1 hour before centrifugation. Centrifuge for at least 15 minutes at 2200-2500 RPM within one hour of collection.
What does it mean to balance a centrifuge and why is it important?
One of the most important characteristics for a centrifuge is balance. You see, centrifuges spin at extremely high speeds to separate material. And an unbalanced centrifuge will not operate at peak efficiency. In order to keep operators safe and product quality high, centrifuges should be serviced to restore balance.
Why is it important that a centrifuge carry a balanced load?
A centrifuge must carry a balanced load, or the rotor of the centrifuge may spin out of center, which can damage the centrifuge and cause samples to break.
Does centrifugation produce heat?
Centrifugation generates heat, which can increase the temperature within a centrifuge (sometimes, by more than 15°C). The sample temperature during centrifugation is primarily influenced by three factors: rotor material, rotor shape, and speed of rotation.
How hot does a centrifuge get?
Most of the work in a refrigerated centrifuge is done at 4 °C. Most centrifuges will claim a lower temperature range of –20 °C, but not all. The rating may pertain to all conditions, or it may be the result of a single rotor being tested in a 70 °C lab in low humidity, cautions Pawlovich.