The laboratory centrifuge, one of the most important sample preparation instruments in use today, is considered to be one of the most efficient ways to separate samples of different densities.

Benchtop centrifuges have been in use since the mid-1800s. Early instruments were hand powered, but in 1912, with the introduction of electric centrifuges, that changed. The early centrifuges were mostly used for non-biological applications, such as separating milk and collecting precipitates.

The process of centrifugation can be traced back to the mid-15th century, when hand-driven centrifuge systems were used to separate milk.

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