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
