History of laboratory-acquired infections When it comes to any discussion of laboratory-acquired infections today, many think of SARS-CoV-2 and the resulting COVID-19 pandemic. Whether it originated from a zoonotic source (an infection spread between animals and humans) or as a laboratory-generated virus that “leaked”, the origin of the SARS-CoV-2 virus remains somewhat uncertain. SARS-CoV-2 aside, over the last fifty years, there have been several documented laboratory-acquired infections, with Brucella accounting for most of those infections.  Diagnostic laboratories that process huma ..read more

Swing-Out vs. Fixed-Angle Rotors In a swing-out rotor, the buckets swing out horizontally. This allows for horizontal centrifugation and separation of the sample. As the name implies, a fixed-angle rotor is at a fixed angle (30°- 45°), which causes separation to occur at an angle. In a swing-out rotor, the pelleted material will pellet in the bottom of the tube, while in a fixed-angle rotor, the material will pellet against the side of the tube. This can make it difficult to transfer the supernatant without disturbing the pelleted material. However, fixed-angle rotors can reach much greater sp ..read more

What is a Percoll gradient? Percoll is a silica colloid used to create density gradients. Percoll gradients are utilized in multiple life sciences fields for a variety of techniques and downstream applications. Their use in the separation and purification of immune cells from tissue and blood samples is perhaps the most widespread use, having been utilized for this purpose for over 40 years. Percoll gradients can be used to isolate specific cells, subcellular particles, and viral particles via centrifugation based on their individual densities. Factors affecting gradient formation Osmolality ..read more

Types of centrifuges Micro- and tabletop centrifuges can be divided into two groups based on how they regulate their temperature: ventilated and refrigerated. Because the process of spinning rapidly results in heat production, this causes temperatures within the rotor to rise higher than the surrounding room temperature by several degrees. The amount of heat produced will vary by rotor, centrifuge, and speed. A ventilated centrifuge draws ambient air into the bowl, which is then released through an exhaust. This dissipates heat but does not provide any degree of temperature control. By compari ..read more

What is PRF? Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a fibrin matrix containing wound-healing components that is prepared from a patient’s own blood [1]. PRF is a second-generation derivative of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) that offers an improved substrate for tissue repair. It is widely used in dentistry to aid in wound healing for procedures such as ridge preservation, sinus lift, and periodontal regeneration. In contrast to PRP, the tube used to collect the patient’s blood and prepare PRF does not contain anticoagulants. This preserves the clotting factors in the blood, thereby improving wound he ..read more

What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP)? Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a platelet- and growth factor-enriched solution prepared from a patient’s own blood. Injections of PRP are used to promote tissue repair and bone growth in a wide variety of medical conditions, including hair loss, osteoarthritis, and damage to tendons or ligaments.  While typical platelet concentrations are around 200,000/µL, those in PRP should exceed 1,000,000/µL or 5× the basal level [1].  Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is derived from the patient's own blood. How can this >5× increase in platelet concentration be ..read more

A lab centrifuge is often a large investment. When shopping for a unit, you’ll be looking for something that meets all of your current needs as well as potential future needs. The main factors to consider to ensure you make the right choice when selecting a lab centrifuge are: Maximum RPM and RCF Rotors available Temperature range Safety features Logistical factors Warranty options In this post, we take a closer look at these factors and why they’re important. 1. Maximum RPM and RCF How fast do you need your centrifuge to go? This might seem like a straightforward question, but bear in mind ..read more

Once you’ve invested in a lab centrifuge, you want to make sure it keeps working efficiently for as long as possible. Proper maintenance of your unit can assist with that, as well as help to ensure you stay safe and your application runs smoothly. In this post, we look at the steps to take to keep your lab centrifuge in tip-top condition, including: Checking parts for damage Getting it serviced regularly Cleaning and lubricating the unit Let’s look at each of these in more detail. 1. Check Parts for Damage The unit should be periodically checked for any signs of damage. Damaged rotors, adapt ..read more

When it comes to centrifuge rotors, there are lots of options to choose from, with the selection being potentially overwhelming at times. Thankfully, if you know what you’re looking for, the choice narrows significantly. There are really four main areas you need to look at: Compatibility with your centrifuge Compatibility with vessels Rotor style Maximum G-force Let’s look at each of these in detail: 1. Compatibility With Your Centrifuge If you’re shopping for a rotor for an existing centrifuge, then you’ll need to make sure the rotor is compatible with your existing unit. The accessories av ..read more

There is often confusion about the relationship between RPM and RCF and which parameter is most important in centrifugal applications. Below, we explain both terms, discuss which measure is more important, and provide the formula to convert between the two. RPM (revolutions per minute) is the way in which we describe how fast a centrifuge is going. This is the rate at which the rotor is revolving regardless of its size. G-Force or RCF (relative centrifugal force) is the force being exerted on the rotor contents. RCF is a result of the rotor revolving so is dependent on RPM.  The key attr ..read more