One essential laboratory equipment for experiments and clinical trials is centrifuge tubes. These tubes adapt to various procedures in the work environment. Experimenters use these tubes to generate rotary movements that separate the sample’s components to know them separately, either by decantation or sedimentation.
Currently, centrifuges have various types that come to meet specific purposes, according to the industry (discussed later). Usually, experimenters use 250ml Centrifuge tubes, but they are also available in capacities of 1.5ml (for small volume) and 500ml (for larger volume).Â
This blog highlights the different types of centrifuge tubes and their various applications in the different industries. This blog lets you know well everything about this lab equipment.
The Types Of Centrifuges
When talking about laboratory equipment, centrifuges stand out for their versatility. There are available in different sizes, from 1.5ml to 500ml capacities. Tubes with large capacities are manufactured to work with a considerable volume of liquids, while microcentrifuges operate with a minimum amount of liquids.
The desktop centrifuge tubes are very easy to handle since they provide broader solutions. However, they were initially designed for large spaces, but today you can find them in most laboratories.
Refrigerated CentrifugeÂ
It is often used in modern laboratories and is highly demanded in large industrial laboratories or research centers, as they can hold large sample volumes. This model operates from low and high speeds, depending on the purpose to be given. It is ideal lab equipment for biochemical, physical, and molecular biology experiments. This model is also valuable for large-scale blood donation institutes and advanced research. It allows cells and viruses to settle, separates subcellular organelles, and isolates macromolecules.
Tabletop Centrifuge
It is commonly known as a medical or clinical centrifuge. This type is available in small sizes and does not have a refrigeration system. It usually reaches 4,000 to 5,000 rpm speed and is used in cell suspensions, and to separate large particles and divide plasma in blood samples.
High-Speed Centrifuge
Its average speed ranges between 18,000 and 25,000 rpm. They have vacuum compartments that prevent the rotor (helping to separate the materials) from heating up. In this way, the temperature is much easier to control. In addition, it is the most widely used laboratory equipment today, as it helps experimenters separate cell fractions.
Microcentrifuge
Its purpose is none other than to handle much smaller samples. Hence, it is considered a variation of the previous classifications. It typically reaches speeds of 10,000 rpm or more and is very common among companies and laboratories focused on molecular biology.
Uses And Applications Of Centrifuge Tubes
In any clinical laboratory, centrifuge tubes are essential, just like filter tips, because they favor the processes of separation of macromolecules. These tubes carry out the sedimentation, allowing the separation of blood plasma and serum in clinical applications. In addition, food and chemical production companies often use this equipment for quality control.
In Hospitals And Laboratories
The highest demand for centrifuge tubes is among the Hospitals and laboratories. Its purposes are associated with the study of blood, plasma separation, sedimentation from a liquid or solid, and more. So, they help professionals understand the sample’s resulting properties. They also use these tubes to analyze the cells present in the blood sample.
In Chemical And Nuclear Power Plants
Industries oriented to molecular research and chemical and physical processes also require the presence of centrifuges in their laboratories. A frequent and significant application is the separation of uranium-235 (an isotope causing a chain reaction of nuclear fission) from uranium-238 (a metallic element present in nature).
In Oil Manufacturing FacilitiesÂ
Olive oil producers, for example, use centrifuge tubes to separate the fat content of the olive fruit, which is previously ground and beaten. This way, water, bone, pulp and other components are removed to obtain pure oil.
Final Words
With this blog, we want to inform you of the importance of centrifuge tubes, types, and applications in various industries. MBP INC is here to serve you if you are looking for the highest-quality laboratory equipment and tools. Contact us today if you need centrifuge tubes or any other molecular biology product like filter tips, semi-skirted PCR plates, and more. We are a company that leads the distribution sector of laboratory equipment for biochemical studies, and you can count on us to be your trusted suppliers!
