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What do Centrifuge Users have to Say?

Learn the most sought-after features and more from our latest centrifuge survey results

by
Erica Tennenhouse, PhD

Erica Tennenhouse, PhD, is the managing editor of Clinical Lab Manager.

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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 achieve the same speed and capacity?
  3. What kind of warranty comes with the centrifuge and 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 the 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.

Types of centrifuge(s) used by survey respondents:

Benchtop Centrifuge 66%
Microcentrifuge 54%
Benchtop Refrigerated Centrifuge 42%
Benchtop Clinical Centrifuge 23%
Floor Refrigerated Centrifuge 19%
Floor Ultracentrifuge 16%
Floor Centrifuge 14%
Benchtop Ultracentrifuge 10%
Other 5%

Centrifuge rotor type(s) used by survey respondents:

Swinging-bucket rotors 78%
Fixed angle rotors 70%
Vertical rotors 11%
Other 1%

Nearly 58% of respondents are engaged in purchasing a new centrifuge. The reasons for these purchases are as follows:

Replacement of aging system
52%
Addition to existing systems, increase capacity
26%
Require more speed (g-forces) and capacity
5%
Setting up a new lab
4%
Changing from the current type of centrifuge
4%
First-time purchase
1%
Other
7%

Top 10 features/factors respondents look for when purchasing a centrifuge:

Reliability 87%
Ease of use 79%
Price 70%
Low maintenance / operating costs 69%
Safety features 67%
Warranty 56%
Accuracy 55%
Service and support 51%
Ease of Installation 42%
Type of centrifuge rotor 37%

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

See results from previous surveys: