Centrifuges are one of the most ubiquitous and important equipment in most labs. They play a key role in virtually all molecular workflows and assay protocols spanning numerous applications; from separating blood components and isolating cellular organelles to purifying DNA and proteins after sample homogenization, these devices are indispensable to researchers. When looking to add to your fleet to alleviate a bottleneck or choosing a centrifuge for a specific workflow, it is important to keep these differences in mind when considering their impact on your lab’s efficiency at the bench.

Centrifuges utilize centrifugal force to separate substances of different densities in a liquid medium, accomplishing in minutes what gravity alone would take hours or days to achieve. This makes them essential for sample preparation such as after tissue lysis, cell harvesting, and many other common lab procedures and assays where the analytical results are usually dependent on clean starting material with high integrity and purity scores.

Let's walk through a typical Top 10 consideration when selecting a centrifuge for your lab:

1. Speed and Force: Consider the maximum rotational speed (RPM) and relative centrifugal force (RCF) required for your protocols. Brushless motors often provide higher speeds with less maintenance. For additional versatility, looking for models offering both fixed-angle and swinging-bucket rotors to cover a range of applications may be a good idea unless you know you’ll need a single-setting workhorse day in and day out, such as for blood centrifugation.
2. Capacity and Rotors: Evaluate your lab’s typical sample volumes and throughputs when also exploring the types of rotors you'll need. Centrifuges with interchangeable rotors offer more flexibility of use. If you’re in the lab making master mixes, consider the n + 2 and ensure the centrifuge you select has a comfortable buffer to maximum or minimum volumes and the type of vessels you’ll plan to use routinely to avoid risk of spills.
3. Tube Compatibility: Ensure the centrifuge is compatible with the tube sizes and plate formats you commonly use. Models with adapters for various tube types offer more flexibility. Swing-out rotors generally provide the most versatility in terms of tube accommodation.
4. Temperature Control: Some applications need refrigeration while others are performed at room temperature or at very short durations that do not require refrigeration. If you have multiple centrifuges, consider if you would want to add on a typically more economical room temperature centrifuge to directly alleviate the queue for the more sophisticated one, etc. Consider the environmental sustainability factor when considering your purchases, as well.
5. Programmability: User-friendly interfaces with customizable program storage can save time and reduce errors. Multi-step programming is useful for complex protocols.
6. Safety Features: Prioritize models with robust safety features like imbalance detection and warning systems. Dual-locking mechanisms on the lid provide extra security. For work with biohazardous materials, considering units with aerosol-tight options should be high-priority. To help your unit maintain a healthy lifespan in the lab, always double-check that weights are balanced. If your centrifuge sits on a long bench where your colleagues also set up assays, don’t be the rattler.
7. Noise Level: Check the decibel rating at maximum speed. Models with sound-dampening technology can significantly reduce disruption in shared lab spaces. Some units offer adjustable acceleration and deceleration profiles, which can also help manage noise levels. Now-a-days, units that are clinical-grade are ultra-quiet, which is great if your lab tends to have echoes or lab mates’ who are sensitive to noise.
8. Size and Footprint: Make sure you measure your available bench space and consider the centrifuge's dimensions, when open and closed. Compact models that maximize capacity while minimizing footprint are ideal for crowded labs. Remember that as with any lab equipment, leave enough space between units where ample access is permitted for preventative maintenance, regular cleaning, rotor exchange, etc. without risking anybody’s experiment.
9. Energy Efficiency: Compare power consumption ratings across models. Energy-saving modes during idle periods can reduce operating costs. Review and exercise good laboratory and green practices for how long an instrument stays on or off, if applicable.
10. Maintenance and Warranty: Consider the ease of cleaning and routine maintenance. Look for models with easily accessible rotor chambers. Review the warranty terms, manufacturing origin of instruments, and the availability of local service support, as these can significantly impact long-term costs and downtime, as well as your peace of mind.

There you have it. Some of the top considerations researchers and lab managers keep in mind when choosing the right centrifuge. As a lab staple, it’s an important decision that affects your daily lab work and general lab efficiency. Remember, you know your lab’s needs and bottlenecks best, and a well-chosen centrifuge can be a positive investment in your research success.

For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.