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
What is the tachometer
Dial setting the speed. Absent in some centrifuges run at preset speeds
How do you care and maintain the centrifuge
Should always be used on a level surface. Always balance samples in the centrifuge. Close lids. Clean spills immediately. Clean with mild detergents. Maintenance schedule as per manufacture
What are the safety musts with a centrifuge
Check power supply and cord, only operate with closed cover
What is special about the Triax centrifuge
Blood, urine, microhematocrit, break
What do you have to do to the triac when you want to run a microhematocrit tube test
Take out the trunnions. Position micro capillary hematocrit to correctly with the clay towards the outside. Use metal lid cover
What are some reasons that the Triax centrifuge will not work correctly
Poor balancing, instrument not level, forgot cover, wrong setting for time or speed, placed micro capillary hematocrit tube clay the wrong way
