The Centrifuge Flashcards
What is the supernatant
The lighter part of the fluid
What are the uses of the centrifuge
To separate cells and particulates from liquid part by centrifugal force
What is the sediment
To heavier part of the fluid
What is the G Force
Acceleration to be applied to a sample
If we use the same rpm but different centrifuge with a bigger radius what happens to the G force applied to the sample
It is bigger. Take-home message is that the bigger the radius the bigger the G Force
What happens if you centrifuge something for too fast or too long
Cells can rupture or morphology is altered
What happens if you centrifuge something for too slow and too short of a time
Incomplete separation of the elements
What are the different types of centrifuges based on design
Swinging bucket, fixed angle centrifuge, horizontal micro hematocrit
What are the different types of centrifuges based on speed
Benchtop, micro centrifuge, high-speed, ultra centrifuges (for research)
What is a swinging bucket centrifuge used for
For urine or blood samples.
What are the hanging specimen cups called in the centrifuge
Trunnions
What are the disadvantages of the swinging bucket centrifuge
Remixing of sediment or supernatant, at a very high speed there is heat buildup
What is a fixed angle centrifuge used for
Higher speeds and horizontal centrifuge without the heat buildup. For rapid sedimentation of small particles
What is the microhematocrit centrifuge used for
Used to separate blood from plasma using a very small sample. Separates packed cell volume, Buffy coat, plasma (containing clotting factor)
What is the timer used for on the centrifuge
Sets required time for spinning samples. Automatically turn centrifuge off after preset time
