Laboratory Centrifuge Buying Guide: Types & Selection
Start from the sample, not the spec sheet
Centrifuge selection begins with what you spin: blood tubes, urine, nucleic acids, or industrial volumes. Match the rotor and force to the sample before comparing brands.
Centrifuge families
- Benchtop clinical — for blood, urine and routine tubes; see our centrifuge range.
- High-speed / micro — for molecular and small-volume protocols.
- Floor / refrigerated — large capacity or temperature-sensitive samples.
Specifications that matter
- RCF (×g) — the real separation force; our low-speed models cover clinical tube work.
- Rotor and capacity — angle vs swing-out, and how many tubes per run.
- Speed and programmability — ramp/brake control and stored programs.
- Temperature — refrigerated units for sensitive assays (mid-range models).
- Safety — imbalance detection, lid interlock, and certified rotors.
Matching models to tasks
- Routine blood separation — benchtop clinical centrifuge (example).
- Higher-throughput labs — larger rotors (example).
- Versatile benchtop — programmable units (example).
Procurement checklist
- Sample type and tube format
- Required RCF and volume per run
- Rotor options and spare cost
- Refrigeration needs
- Program storage and tracking
- Service and rotor certification
Conclusion
Lead with RCF and rotor, then capacity and safety. Browse the full laboratory centrifuge catalogue, shortlist by your busiest assay, and confirm rotor spares before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I compare centrifuges by RPM or RCF?
Always specify by RCF (relative centrifugal force, in ×g) rather than RPM, because the same RPM gives different forces at different rotor radii. RCF is what actually separates your sample, so match it to the protocol.
Which rotor type do I need?
Fixed-angle rotors suit pelleting and most routine work; swing-out rotors are better for density gradients and gentle separation. Blood and clinical labs often need swing-out rotors for tubes, while molecular work uses fixed-angle.