The purchase of a centrifuge is seen as an investment. While it has become a standard device in clinics and diagnostic centres, many people still have a lot of considerations about which type of centrifuge they should select for their clinic or laboratory.
This isn’t surprising, since centrifuges come in different models and brands. If you are not well-versed with the different features and functions of centrifuges, then you may not be able to pick a suitable one for your clinic or laboratory.
Below are the key considerations when choosing a centrifuge:
- RPMs vs. G-Force.
RPMs have been used traditionally as the primary criteria when selecting a centrifuge. However, you may want to take into account the G-force that your samples require. Knowing this gives you a more accurate requirement for a centrifuge. You can later narrow your choices once you have found models that meet your samples’ G-force requirements.
- Centrifuge flexibility.
It is also important to take time to look into centrifuge options, including their flexibility in terms of accommodating a wide range of rotors that can be easily switched out. This is because the centrifuge will be used by different users in your clinic or laboratory. Each of them will be conducting a different process that requires the use of different tubes and rotors on their samples.
- Available laboratory space.
How big is your lab space? If it is already pretty crowded and you only have limited use for your centrifuge, then you may want to go for the benchtop models. However, if centrifugation is the focus of your laboratory procedures and/ or you have samples in large quantities for centrifugation on a daily basis, a floor-standing model would be more favorable.
- User-friendliness.
As much as possible, choose a centrifuge that has easy, user-friendly controls. This will provide an efficient and better user experience.
