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Lab Trends

2013 Centrifuge Product Survey Results

When it comes to common technology in a laboratory, centrifuges rise toward the top of the list. Centrifuges separate particles and structures suspended in liquid by applying thousands of gravitational force equivalents to the sample through spinning and play a role in a wide range of workflows and applications.

by Lab Manager

When it comes to common technology in a laboratory, centrifuges rise toward the top of the list. Centrifuges separate particles and structures suspended in liquid by applying thousands of gravitational force equivalents to the sample through spinning and play a role in a wide range of workflows and applications.

Top 5 Questions You Should Ask When Buying a Centrifuge

1. What is the maximum g-force the centrifuge can generate?

2. How does the company’s centrifuge differ from other ones that can do the same speed & capacity?

3. What kind of warranty comes with the centrifuge & what does it cover?

4. If the company discontinues the product, for how many years do they provide accessories and parts for the centrifuge?

5. Ask about cost of the purchase— not just the price of the product being installed but the total cost of ownership including price, service expectations, warranty, etc.

The type of centrifuge(s) currently in use in respondents’ labs:

Benchtop Centrifuge 67%
Microcentrifuge 58%
Benchtop Refrigerated Centrifuge 54%
Benchtop Clinical Centrifuge 33%
Floor Refrigerated Centrifuge 32%
Floor UltraCentrifuge 25%
Benchtop UltraCentrifuge 23%
Floor Centrifuge 14%
Other 2%

The speed range (RPM) of the centrifuge(s) used by readers:

0 - 7,500 RPM 74%
7,500 - 10,000 RPM 43%
10,000 - 15,000 RPM 47%
15,000 - 20,000 RPM 33%
20,000+ RPM 26%

Top ten features/factors survey respondents consider when buying a centrifuge:

Reliability 97%
Ease of use 96%
Low maintenance / operating costs 94%
Price 90%
Safety features 88%
Warranty 78%
Service and support 74%
Accuracy 70%
Type of centrifuge rotor 68%
Ease of installation 64%

The typical way labs train staff in centrifuge operation:

On-the-job training by fellow worker 89%
Vendors 4%
Have to learn it on our own 4%
Videos, books, etc. 2%
Off-site training courses 1%

The following hazards exist relating to the centrifuge(s) in readers’ labs:

Physical hazards: Mechanical stress, metal fatigue, and corrosion of the rotor over time 40%
Exposure hazards: Aerosolization of biological, chemical, or radioactive materials 38%
Don’t know 30%
Other 6%

Completed Surveys: 243

For more information on centrifuges, including useful articles and a list of manufacturers, visit www.labmanager.com/centrifuges

See the latest survey results