Centrifuges, Microhematocrit_071224090432
Centrifuges, Microhematocrit_071224090432
Centrifuges, Microhematocrit_071224090432
Centrifuges, Microhematocrit
Published 12/1/2023
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Comparison Chart
Centrifuges, Microhematocrit
This Product Comparison covers dedicated microhematocrit centrifuges, as well as multipurpose tabletop centrifuges and microcentrifuges that have microhematocrit rotors.
Centrifuges apply centrifugal force to separate suspended particles from a liquid or to separate liquids of different densities, often as preparation for further diagnostic tests.
These liquids can be body fluids (e.g., blood, serum, urine), commercial reagents, or mixtures of the two with other additives. By creating forces many times greater than gravity,
centrifuges can greatly accelerate separations that occur naturally as a result of density differences. In its simplest form, a centrifuge is a metal rotor with holes drilled to
accommodate vessels of liquids, spun at selected speeds by a motor.
By applying centrifugal force to separate phases of different densities, microhematocrit centrifuges can be used to determine the blood's hematocrit—the ratio of red-cell volume
to whole blood volume, expressed as a decimal, a fraction, or a percentage. This important hematologic test is useful in diagnosing blood loss and a number of conditions,
including polycythemia (an elevation of the erythrocyte count to above-normal levels), anemia, bone marrow failure, leukemia, and multiple myeloma. In polycythemia cases, the
hematocrit is always elevated. In diagnosing anemia, hematocrit measurement is used only as an indirect indicator of oxygen-carrying capacity because its packed cell volume is
not indicative of anemic problems that result from structural hemoglobin defects or that are directly indicative of hemoglobin concentrations. High hematocrit levels indicate
dehydration and erythrocytosis.
Various manual and automated methods are used to determine the blood's hematocrit. The two manual methods, microhematocrit and macrohematocrit determinations, both
use centrifugation. Automated methods determine the hematocrit by using automated centrifugation, electronic particle counters, laser optical equipment, or conductivity to
measure packed cell volume. Automated methods of hematocrit determination are offered on most automated hematology analyzers.
The microhematocrit method is more commonly used than the macrohematocrit method because it requires a smaller sample size and uses compact, high-speed centrifuges.
According to standards established by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), a microhematocrit centrifuge must generate a relative centrifugal force or field (RCF)
of at least 10,000 g, where g is the standard acceleration of gravity, to efficiently pack cells in 3 to 5 minutes; lower-speed, general-purpose centrifuges used in the
macrohematocrit method operate at 2,000 to 3,000 g and require 30 to 45 minutes to perform the same function. Because of the smaller sample required and the greater RCF
used, the micromethod reduces the risk of trapped plasma and produces maximal cell packing while maintaining a comparable degree of accuracy.
The following device term and product code as listed in ECRI’s Universal Medical Device Nomenclature System™ (UMDNS™) is covered:
Comparison Chart
Centrifuges, Microhematocrit
Purpose
Centrifuges apply centrifugal force to separate suspended particles from a liquid or to separate liquids of different densities, often as preparation for further diagnostic tests. These
liquids can be body fluids (e.g., blood, serum, urine), commercial reagents, or mixtures of the two with other additives. By creating forces many times greater than gravity, centrifuges
can greatly accelerate separations that occur naturally as a result of density differences. In its simplest form, a centrifuge is a metal rotor with holes drilled to accommodate vessels
of liquids, spun at selected speeds by a motor.
By applying centrifugal force to separate phases of different densities, microhematocrit centrifuges can be used to determine the blood's hematocrit—the ratio of red-cell volume to
whole blood volume, expressed as a decimal, a fraction, or a percentage. This important hematologic test is useful in diagnosing blood loss and a number of conditions, including
polycythemia (an elevation of the erythrocyte count to above-normal levels), anemia, bone marrow failure, leukemia, and multiple myeloma. In polycythemia cases, the hematocrit is
always elevated. In diagnosing anemia, hematocrit measurement is used only as an indirect indicator of oxygen-carrying capacity because its packed cell volume is not indicative of
anemic problems that result from structural hemoglobin defects or that are directly indicative of hemoglobin concentrations. High hematocrit levels indicate dehydration and
erythrocytosis.
Various manual and automated methods are used to determine the blood's hematocrit. The two manual methods, microhematocrit and macrohematocrit determinations, both use
centrifugation. Automated methods determine the hematocrit by using automated centrifugation, electronic particle counters, laser optical equipment, or conductivity to measure
packed cell volume. Automated methods of hematocrit determination are offered on most automated hematology analyzers.
The microhematocrit method is more commonly used than the macrohematocrit method because it requires a smaller sample size and uses compact, high-speed centrifuges.
According to standards established by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), a microhematocrit centrifuge must generate a relative centrifugal force or field (RCF) of
at least 10,000 g, where g is the standard acceleration of gravity, to efficiently pack cells in 3 to 5 minutes; lower-speed, general-purpose centrifuges used in the macrohematocrit
method operate at 2,000 to 3,000 g and require 30 to 45 minutes to perform the same function. Because of the smaller sample required and the greater RCF used, the
micromethod reduces the risk of trapped plasma and produces maximal cell packing while maintaining a comparable degree of accuracy.
Principles of Operation
Centrifugation is based on the principle that an object moving in a circular path at a steady angular velocity is subjected to an outwardly directed force. The magnitude of this force
depends on the rotor radius and the speed at which the rotor spins. RCF is the force acting on the samples during centrifugation, which is expressed in multiples of g (e.g., 13,000 g).
Calculation of RCF is used to compare forces attained by different centrifuges. Centrifuge comparisons can be made in terms of RCF because RCF describes the true separation
efficiency of a centrifuge.
Calculating RCF exerted on a sample requires that the sample be located at a fixed distance from the center of rotation. Due to rotor design, this distance varies from the top to the
bottom of the sample holder, and RCF exerted on the top of the sample may be significantly different from that exerted on the bottom. The average of the values exerted on the top
and bottom of the same chamber, called average RCF, can be used to compensate for this difference.
RCF is either manually or automatically calculated and depends on the radius of the rotor head. For manual models, manufacturers typically supply tables that permit easy
determination of RCF for a rotor at a particular speed; microprocessor-controlled models automatically calculate the required rotational speed and drive the motor to achieve the
desired RCF.
The microhematocrit centrifuge, a special-purpose version of a fixed-head unit, quickly attains speeds of 11,000 rpm and RCFs of up to 15,000 g to spin microcapillary tube samples.
These tubes require only small blood samples taken from a puncture site, such as a finger or ear, or from an anticoagulated venous blood specimen. The capillary tube must be
treated with heparin to avoid clotting if blood is taken directly from the puncture site.
Centrifuge Components
Most components of microhematocrit centrifuges are similar to those of general-purpose centrifuges, including a motor that supplies power to the shaft and rotor, centrifuge heads
(carriers) that spin on the rotor, and a lid latch and/or lid interlock. The centrifuge head contains the cups or shields that cover the rotor and turns on a spindle. A safety shield in the
chamber surrounds the rotor as a precaution against a broken head or similar failure, which could hurl fragments at dangerously high velocities.
In traditional motor centrifuges, brushes conduct electricity to the rotating armature. Due to high operational speeds, the brushes erode very quickly and must be replaced more
frequently than any other component. Some centrifuges feature longer-wearing brushes, while other models use no brushes at all. The advantage of brushless induction systems is
that there is no physical contact with the motor; the system uses a magnetic field to induce the electric current.
The microhematocrit rotor head holds the microcapillary tubes in a horizontal position during centrifugation. After the sample spins for the required time at high speed, the hematocrit
value is obtained by comparing the packed cell volume to a graduated reading scale. Some microhematocrit centrifuges incorporate the reading scale into the rotor head so that the
samples can be read directly in the rotor. Others have a capillary tube reader that must be purchased separately and that may accommodate the whole rotor with tubes or one tube
at a time, depending on the model. At least one manufacturer produces carbon fiber rotors that are substantially lighter than a normal rotor. These rotors are easier to handle than
traditional metal rotors and allow for higher gravitational forces. Additionally, because they are not constructed from metal, they are not as susceptible to corrosion or fatigue.
Many microhematocrit centrifuges have a timer, a braking system, and a tachometer. The speed control is usually fixed; however, a variable speed control is offered in some
centrifuges designed for other blood and urine separations in addition to microhematocrit separations. Most microhematocrit centrifuges use electrical brakes, which reverse the
polarity of the current to the motor; other centrifuges feature mechanical brakes, which press directly on the rotor. While most centrifuges feature automatic braking, several units
also provide a push-button-controlled brake. Many centrifuges incorporate an air vent into the cover to help cool the revolving head during operation.
A potentiometer controls the speed by raising or lowering the voltage supplied by the motor. Some models are equipped with an LED (light-emitting diode) display and a keyboard,
enabling the user to program a specific speed.
A tachometer indicates the speed in rpm. The tachometer indicator can be triggered by a cable or shaft attached to the motor spindle. Some units may have an electric tachometer,
which contains a magnet that rotates around a coil and produces a measurable current that is converted into an rpm reading on either a digital display or an analog meter.
Centrifuge Use
Operator access is provided by a lid, which usually features a safety interlock to prevent the centrifuge from operating while it is open, or a power disconnect, which automatically
turns off the power to the rotor when the lid is opened. Operator controls are located on the outside of the chamber or on a control panel. Monitors commonly display the critical
parameters at which the unit is operating, such as rotational speed (in rpm), temperature, and elapsed or remaining time.
The operator loads the samples into the rotor head within the instrument housing and closes the lid and starts the centrifuge; the appropriate time, rpm, and braking information is
programmed. Some units also permit selection of the degree of braking applied to the shaft following centrifugation.
When hazardous materials are being centrifuged, personnel safety should be considered. In addition to the centrifuge's external lid, inner safety lids that fit over the rotor or tube
covers that contain the sample material are available. Both safety lids and tube covers help prevent exposure to aerosolized pathogens. Gaskets provide a tight seal between the unit
lid and body to prevent expulsion of hazardous materials and aerosols. Bowl drains have been added to many models to effectively and safely remove specimen spills. Safety
procedures and personal protective equipment (e.g., goggles, face shields) should also be used to minimize user exposure to aerosolized pathogens. Centrifuge components that
come in contact with both the operator and hazardous materials should be properly disinfected according to manufacturer instructions.
Reported Problems
Calibration is critical to the optimal performance of centrifuges. Rotational speed and timers should be regularly checked and the appropriate components recalibrated. If possible,
the rotational speed measurement should be verified using a phototachometer under actual operating conditions (with the centrifuge lid closed). However, not all centrifuges readily
allow calibration in this manner, and another technique may be required. Timers should be checked with a stopwatch.
Because centrifuges are in constant use in the laboratory and because of their inherent operating hazards, most manufacturers recommend frequent preventive maintenance.
Leakage current, grounding resistance, brushes, safety interlock systems on lids and bearing lubrication should be checked frequently. For safe operation and longer life, the brushes
should be replaced before excessive wear occurs. Loose carbon deposits should be cleaned regularly.
Centrifuges draw a large amount of current, resulting in power-line transients and electrical noise. Under these conditions, analytical instruments such as spectrophotometers, clinical
chemistry analyzers, or hematology analyzers can be particularly prone to unreliable operation. Therefore, centrifuges should be connected only to circuits reserved for nonanalytical
equipment.
Centrifuge rotors are especially vulnerable to deterioration caused by foreign-matter buildup. Rotors should be replaced periodically; if not, they could fail and perhaps destroy the
centrifuge in the process. Rotors must fit properly on the centrifuge because wobbles will cause excessive wear of the drive elements; if the rotor is not securely fastened, it may fly
off at extraordinary speed. Rotors should not be interchanged between different models unless they are specifically designed to be interchangeable. Corrosive chemicals found in
certain cleaning fluids can cause pitting or etching of the rotor surface; therefore, only manufacturer-specified materials should be used for rotor cleaning and maintenance. The
frequency of preventive maintenance varies among system components. Many manufacturers recommend daily bowl cleaning.
A centrifuge should never be operated with the lid open because of the hazards posed by a flying rotor or the dispersal of biologically hazardous material. Tube breakage can occur in
centrifuges because of rotor misalignment, old or defective tubes, or incorrect use. ECRI recommends using centrifuges with safety lid latches and/or interlocks, which shut off the
motor when the lid is opened or keep the lid latched until the rotor has stopped.
Operators should be aware that excessive vibrations (often called “criticals") occur at certain rotational speeds particular to each instrument. This dynamic condition, known as
resonance, is induced by the combination of the mechanical vibrations of the moving parts. Centrifuges should be operated at speeds slightly above or below resonant speeds to
avoid excessive wear.
Operators should always use universal precautions when performing centrifugation and other functions that may cause exposure to splashed blood or body fluids. These precautions
include wearing disposable gloves, facial protection (e.g., shields), gowns or laboratory coats, and plastic aprons.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that plastic or shatter-resistant glass capillary tubes be used as specimen containers during centrifugation because they are
more durable than regular glass hematocrit tubes and are therefore less likely to cause injuries from flying centrifuge debris. Also, general-purpose centrifuges with RCFs under
10,000 g are not approved for cell packing by CLSI, although many hematology laboratories continue to use them for this purpose. Laboratories that use these units in this manner
are not in compliance with CLSI guidelines.
Reading error is the primary disadvantage of the micromethod. Microhematocrit readings can vary by about 2% if the same sample is read by different technologists. To reduce error,
the same technologist should read all samples within a run, and specimens should be tested in duplicate. To avoid parallax caused by a specimen sliding down the tube, results should
be read within 10 minutes after the centrifuge stops. Moreover, an accurate hematocrit measurement should include only the red cells and not the buffy coat of white cells and
platelets.
Minimum packing time should be checked at least twice a month by filling 12 microcapillary tubes and spinning the first pair for one minute, the second pair for two minutes, and so
on. When two consecutive pairs exhibit no change in microhematocrit values, the minimum packing time can be determined.
Purchase Considerations
ECRI Recommendations
Included in the accompanying comparison chart are ECRI's recommendations for minimum performance requirements for a microhematocrit centrifuge. Specifications such as
rotational speed and capacity should be determined by the needs of the buyer.
Safety features are a prime consideration when purchasing a centrifuge. ECRI requires that centrifuges have a securely interlocking lid that either shuts off the unit's motor when the
lid is opened or remains latched until the rotor has stopped. Additional recommended safety features include an inner protective cover over the rotor assembly, as well as a display
warning that the centrifuge should not be opened while the rotor is spinning. ECRI recommends devices that are equipped with audible and visual alert indicators for imbalance and lid
open. Visual alerts are required for end of run and overspeed. Brushless motors are preferable to traditional motors because they require less maintenance.
Other Considerations
Buyers should carefully consider their current and projected laboratory needs before purchasing a microhematocrit centrifuge to avoid purchasing an expensive unit with unnecessary
capabilities or a less expensive model that cannot handle the laboratory workload. For example, a larger facility that processes samples daily may require a centrifuge with
programmable functions. However, a smaller laboratory that processes a low or moderate number of samples daily may not need a programmable unit.
When purchasing centrifuges, facilities should consider the cost of a warranty and service contract. Discounts may be available if multiple units are purchased.
CLSI recommends that microhematocrit centrifuges attain an RCF of at least 10,000 g. CLSI also recommends using at least an 8 cm rotor radius, a 50 µL sample, and a 75 mm
capillary tube. Purchasers should check specific units for RCFs and centrifugation times.
Stage of Development
In addition to brushless induction systems, newer centrifuges may have permanently lubricated bearings, lightweight carbon fiber components that increase durability,
microprocessors that allow the operator to select operational parameters using a keyboard, and LED displays of operational parameters. Many microprocessor-controlled centrifuges
can identify their rotors by reading a bar code imprinted on the rotor surface; the microprocessor can then set operational parameters on centrifuge operation by using the bar-code
information to access data stored in memory (e.g., maximum speed).
To make microhematocrit centrifuges more versatile, several manufacturers have developed rotors that are suitable for other types of blood and urine separations. In addition, some
tabletop centrifuges originally designed for general-purpose use now include optional, specially fitted microhematocrit heads. The trend is toward making multipurpose
microcentrifuges for more efficient and versatile use in small-sample processing. Other manufacturers have developed small, handheld microhematocrit centrifuges that operate on
batteries or a power pack and require less specimen than standard-size units do.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Burtis CA, Ashwood ER, eds. Tietz fundamentals of clinical chemistry. 7th ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 2015.
Hicks MR, Haven MC, Schenken JR, et al. Laboratory instrumentation. 4th ed. Philadelphia: Wiley, John & Sons; 1997.
Klaeger U, Schmucker U, Galazky V. Development of a novel technology for rapidly rotating systems for medical technology Manage Prod Eng Rev 2013 Dec;4(4):28-34.
McPhereson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's clinical diagnosis and management by laboratory methods. 23rd ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2017.
Piramoon S. Centrifuge rotor material evolution: advances in rotor design using composite materials. Am Biotechnol Lab 2010 May-Jun; 28(4):16-17.
Uldall A, Trier Damgaard P, Drachmann O, et al. IFCC guidelines (1990) for selection of safe laboratory centrifuges and for their safe use with general purpose appendices
concerning centrifuge nomenclature, quantities and units, and calculation of centrifugal acceleration. Clin Chem Acta 1991 Oct 14;202(1-2):523-40.
RESOURCE LIST
Comparison Chart
Centrifuges, Microhematocrit
RELATED RESOURCES
UMDNS
Centrifuges, Tabletop, High-Speed, Microhematocrit [10-779]
Manufacturer Andreas Hettich GmbH & Co Andreas Hettich GmbH & Co Andreas Hettich GmbH & Co Apel Co Ltd
KG KG KG HC-702
HAEMATOKRIT 200 MIKRO 220 UNIVERSAL 320
WHERE MARKETED Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide, except Europe
CE MARK Yes Yes Yes No
ROTATIONAL SPEED
Revolutions per minute 13,000 18,000 15,000 12,000
(RPM) range
RPM increments 10 10 10 Not specified
RPM accuracy Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
Relative centrifugal force 16,060 31,514 21,382 15,000
(RCF) range
RCF increments Not specified 1 up to 100 RCF, then 10 1 up to 100 RCF, then 10 Not specified
ROTOR RADIUS, cm Not specified 8.7 micro, 8.5 hematocrit 8.5 micro and hematocrit 9.3
ROTORS AVAILABLE
Horizontal (swinging bucket) No Yes Yes Not specified
Fixed angle No Yes Yes Not specified
Adapters available Not specified Not specified Yes Not specified
Others Not specified Drum rotor Cyto rotors Not specified
ROTOR IDENTIFICATION No Yes Yes No
CAPACITY
Maximum number of 24 60 4 24
capillary tubes
Capillary tube sizes, mm 2.2 Not specified Not specified 1.55 x 75
Brake time, sec 16 ≤26, rotor dependent ≤45, rotor dependent Not specified
BRUSH/BRUSHLESS Brushless Brushless Brushless Brush
SAFETY FEATURES
Lid interlock Yes Yes Yes No
Rotor lid lock Yes Yes Yes No
ALERT INDICATORS
Centrifuge lid open Yes Yes Yes No
Imbalance Yes Yes Yes No
End of run No Yes Yes No
Overspeed No Speed limited to rotor type by Speed limited to rotor type by No
rotor identification system rotor identification system
Other Rotation indicator, service codes Rotation indicator, service codes Rotation indicator, service codes No
H x W x D, cm (in) 22.8 x 26.1 x 35.3 (8.9 x 10.3 x 31.3 x 33 x 42 (12.3 x 13 x 16.5) 34.6 x 40.1 x 52.9 (13.6 x 15.8 x 29 x 32 x 24.5 (11.4 x 12.6 x 9.7)
13.9) 20.8)
WEIGHT, kg (lb) 10 (22.1) 21 (46.3) 31 (68) 8 (17.6)
LINE POWER, VAC 100-127, 200-240, 50/60 Hz 100-127, 200-240, 50/60 Hz 100-127, 200-240, 50/60 Hz 110-220
Backup Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
DISPLAY, type LED indicators Not specified Not specified Not specified
Parameters displayed Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
Lock icon Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
PROGRAMMABLE Yes Yes Yes Yes
Rotational speed, RPM/RCF Preset Not specified Not specified Not specified
Braking Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
Alerts Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
SELF-DIAGNOSTICS Yes Not specified Not specified Not specified
CALIBRATION FREQUENCY Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
MAINTENANCE FREQUENCY Cleaning and speed verification Not specified Not specified Not specified
with stroboscope or photoelectric
tachometer
H x W x D, cm (in) 15.2 x 16.8 x 21.8 (6 x 6.6 x 8.6) 32 x 35 x 47 (12.6 x 13.8 x 18.5) 28 x 24 x 36 (11 x 9.5 x 14.2) 28 x 24 x 36 (11 x 9.5 x 14.2)
WEIGHT, kg (lb) 2.5 (5.5) 22.8 (50.3) 12.8 (28.2) 12.8 (28.2)
LINE POWER, VAC 100-240 110-230, 50/60 Hz 110-230, 50/60 Hz 110-230, 50/60 Hz
Backup Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
Other Power on/off, error code Low RPM Process interrupted, running Power on/off
DISPLAY, type Digital LED Digital LCD Backlit LCD Digital LCD
Parameters displayed RPM, RCF, run time Hematocrit RPM, RCF, run time, run status, RPM, run time
program
H x W x D, cm (in) 32.5 x 32.5 x 42 (12.8 x 12.8 x 12.7 x 17.7 x 27.9 (5 x 7 x 11) 28 x 28 x 43 (11 x 11 x 17) 15 x 21 x 25 (6 x 8.3 x 9.8)
16.5)
WEIGHT, kg (lb) 18 (40) 0.91 (2) 20 (44) 4.5 (9.9)
LINE POWER, VAC 220-240, 50/60 Hz 120, 220 127-220, 50/60 Hz 110-230, 50/60 Hz
Backup Not specified Optional rechargeable battery No Not specified
pack
POWER CONSUMPTION, W 5A 60 430 @ 127 V; 530 @ 220 V 80
PURCHASE INFORMATION
List price Not specified $2,257 $1,500 $580 (€499)
Warranty 1 year 2 years 1 year 1 year
Number units sold Not specified Not specified ~1,400 Not specified
Delivery time, ARO From stock 2 weeks 1 month 3 weeks
Year first sold 2011 1993 2011 1998
Fiscal year July to June January to December January to December January to December
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS Linear-type reader available. Built-in digital tube reader and Digital signal processor; None specified.
tachometer; displays in 5 automatic shutoff for rotor
languages; includes power imbalance; brushless motor with
supply, disposable transparent frequency control; reading scale;
tube holders, user guide and sealing wax for capillary tubes.
reference guide.
Other Power on/off Power on/off Power on/off, network failure, Power on/off
overtemperature, low
temperature
DISPLAY, type Digital LCD Digital TFT touchscreen Digital
Parameters displayed RPM, run time RPM, run time RPM, RCF, run time, RPM, run time
temperature,
acceleration/deceleration
program
Lock icon No No Yes No
PROGRAMMABLE Yes Yes Yes Yes
Rotational speed, RPM/RCF Yes Yes Yes Yes
Braking Not specified Not specified Yes Not specified
Alerts Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
SELF-DIAGNOSTICS Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
CALIBRATION FREQUENCY Per facility requirements Per facility requirements Per facility requirements Per facility requirements
MAINTENANCE FREQUENCY Per facility requirements Per facility requirements Per facility requirements Per facility requirements
NOISE LEVEL, dB 58 58 58 58
Other Power on/off, network failure, Power on/off, network failure, Power on/off, network failure, Power on/off, network failure,
overtemperature, low overtemperature, low overtemperature, low overtemperature, low
temperature temperature temperature temperature
DISPLAY, type TFT touchscreen TFT touchscreen TFT touchscreen TFT touchscreen
Parameters displayed RPM, RCF, run time, RPM, RCF, run time, RPM, RCF, run time, RPM, RCF, run time,
temperature, temperature, temperature, temperature,
acceleration/deceleration acceleration/deceleration acceleration/deceleration acceleration/deceleration
program program program program
Lock icon Yes Yes Yes Yes
PROGRAMMABLE Yes Yes Yes Yes
Rotational speed, RPM/RCF Yes Yes Yes Yes
Braking Yes Yes Yes Yes
Alerts Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
SELF-DIAGNOSTICS Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
CALIBRATION FREQUENCY Per facility requirements Per facility requirements Per facility requirements Per facility requirements
MAINTENANCE FREQUENCY Per facility requirements Per facility requirements Per facility requirements Per facility requirements
NOISE LEVEL, dB 58 58 58 58
WHERE MARKETED Worldwide Worldwide, except Europe Worldwide, except Europe Worldwide, except Europe
CE MARK Yes No No No
ROTATIONAL SPEED
Revolutions per minute 4,200 12,000 3,500 12,000
(RPM) range
RPM increments Not specified 100 100 50
RPM accuracy Not specified ±5% ±5% ±5%
Relative centrifugal force 2,669 Not specified Not specified 13,500
(RCF) range
RCF increments Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
ROTOR RADIUS, cm 15.3 11 4.4 3.3
ROTORS AVAILABLE
Horizontal (swinging bucket) Yes Not specified Yes No
Fixed angle Yes Yes Yes Flat
Adapters available Yes Not specified Not specified No
Others Not specified Microtube, test tube Not specified No
ROTOR IDENTIFICATION No Not specified Not specified Not specified
CAPACITY
Maximum number of 24 24 8 24
capillary tubes
Capillary tube sizes, mm 75, 80, 92, 100, 117, 120 75 75 75
MAINTENANCE FREQUENCY Per facility requirements As required Per facility requirements, annually As required
Recommended Not specified Cavicide (metal rotors), autoclave Cavicide (metal rotors), autoclave Cavicide (metal rotors), autoclave
cleaners/disinfectants per manual specifications only per manual specifications only (metal tube shields)
(metal tube shields) (metal tube shields)
NOISE LEVEL, dB 58 64.5 at 24 in with 24 place tube 54 ±3 at 18-24 in 63.5 at 24 in
rotor
H x W x D, cm (in) 29 x 39 x 44 (11 x 15 x 17) 27.7 x 35.5 x 43.2 (10.9 x 14 x 24.1 x 27.9 x 27.9 (9.5 x 11 x 11) 16 x 24.3 x 29.7 (6.3 x 9.6 x 11.7)
17)
WEIGHT, kg (lb) 22 (48) 14.2 (31.3) 4.3 (9.5) 6.53 (14.4)
LINE POWER, VAC 110-230, 50/60 Hz 110/220 110-220 110 standard; 220 available
Backup Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
Other Power on/off Power on/off, error codes, motor Not specified Overheated motor
over-heating
MAINTENANCE FREQUENCY As required Clean chamber after every usage Not specified Annual; as required
Recommended Cavicide (metal rotors), autoclave Not specified Not specified Not specified
cleaners/disinfectants (metal tube shields)
H x W x D, cm (in) 13 x 20.1 x 16 (5.1 x 7.9 x 6.3) 28.5 x 37.5 x 24.5 (11.2 x 14.8 x 26 x 29 x 17 (10.2 x 11.4 x 6.7) 26.7 x 14.3 x 11 (26.7 x 36.32 x
9.6) 27.9)
WEIGHT, kg (lb) 0.9 (2) 12 (26.4) 6 (13.2) 10 (22)
LINE POWER, VAC 100-240, 50/60 Hz 230, 50/60 Hz 220/110/115, 50/60 Hz 110, 220-240, 50/60 Hz
Backup Not specified NA Not specified Not specified
H x W x D, cm (in) 28 x 27 x 31 (11 x 10.6 x 12.2) 20 x 26.5 x 29 (7.9 x 10.4 x 11.4) 17.6 x 22.6 x 21.2 (6.9 x 8.9 x 27.1 x 31 x 41.8 (10.7 x 12.2 x
8.3) 16.5)
WEIGHT, kg (lb) 11.5 (25.4) 11.5 (25.4) 6 (13.2) 13 (28.7)
LINE POWER, VAC 110/220 110/220 120-230, 50/60 Hz 120-230
Backup Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
H x W x D, cm (in) 27.1 x 31 x 41.8 (10.7 x 12.2 x 30 x 36.5 x 46 (11.8 x 14.4 x 18) 23.5 x 23 x 36.5 (9.2 x 9 x 14.4) 22.5 x 24.3 x 35.2 (8.9 x 9.6 x
16.5) 13.8)
WEIGHT, kg (lb) 13 (28.7) 32 (70.4) 11 (24.2) 10.5 (23.1)
LINE POWER, VAC 120-230 115-230 120, 60 Hz 120, 60 Hz
Backup Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified