Centrifuge: What It Is, How It Works, and Why Every Lab Needs One

Introduction

The centrifuge is one of the most important instruments in modern laboratories, used for separating substances based on density. Whether you’re working in a clinical lab, biotechnology facility, university, or pharmaceutical plant, a centrifuge is essential for sample preparation, purification, and analysis.

If you're searching for "centrifuge", you're likely looking to understand what it does, which type is best for your lab, and where you can buy a reliable centrifuge in Australia. At LabFriend, we offer a wide selection of microcentrifuges, benchtop centrifuges, refrigerated centrifuges, and more—suited to research, diagnostics, and industry needs.

What Is a Centrifuge?

A centrifuge is a laboratory device that uses centrifugal force to separate components in a mixture based on their density and mass. When spinning at high speeds, denser particles in a liquid sample move outward and settle at the bottom of the tube, while lighter substances remain at the top.

Centrifugation is essential for:

• Separating blood components

• Isolating DNA/RNA

• Purifying proteins or enzymes

• Clarifying liquids

• Preparing cells for analysis

How Does a Centrifuge Work?

The basic mechanism involves:

1. Sample tubes placed in a rotor (balanced evenly).

2. The rotor spins rapidly, generating centrifugal force.

3. This force pushes heavier particles outward (toward the bottom of the tube), forming a pellet.

4. The remaining liquid (supernatant) can then be removed for further testing or analysis.

💡 Centrifugation speed is measured in RPM (revolutions per minute) or RCF (relative centrifugal force). Choosing the right speed depends on your sample type and application.

Types of Laboratory Centrifuges

Choosing the right centrifuge depends on your specific application. Below are the most common types of lab centrifuges available at LabFriend:

1. Microcentrifuge

• Volume capacity: 0.2 mL to 2.0 mL tubes

• Best for: DNA/RNA isolation, PCR prep

• Compact, high-speed units for small sample volumes

💡 Shop microcentrifuges: Click here

2. Benchtop Centrifuge

• Volume capacity: 15 mL to 50 mL tubes

• Used in: Clinical, academic, and industrial labs

• Features: Interchangeable rotors, variable speeds

3. Refrigerated Centrifuge

• Ideal for: Heat-sensitive samples (proteins, enzymes, plasma)

• Maintains low temperatures during high-speed operation

4. Clinical Centrifuge

• Designed for: Blood and urine sample preparation

• Common in: Hospitals, diagnostic centres, pathology labs

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Common Applications of Centrifuges

✔ Blood sample separation – Isolating plasma and serum
✔ Molecular biology – Purifying DNA, RNA, and proteins
✔ Cell culture – Harvesting and washing cells
✔ Pharmaceuticals – Quality control and formulation
✔ Food science – Clarifying liquids and testing solids

Tips for Using a Centrifuge Safely and Effectively

✔ Always balance the rotor with tubes of equal weight
✔ Close the lid securely before starting
✔ Do not open while spinning
✔ Use proper tubes rated for your speed
✔ Regularly maintain and clean rotors and buckets

Why Buy a Centrifuge from LabFriend?

At LabFriend, we supply laboratory centrifuges from trusted global brands, including:

• Eppendorf

• Thermo Scientific

• Ohaus

• Grant Instruments

• Hettich

🧪 Our advantages include:

✔ Competitive pricing
✔ Australia-wide shipping
✔ Expert advice on rotor selection and compatibility
✔ Lab-tested, durable instruments for long-term use

💡 Need help choosing the right model? Contact our support team anytime.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're working in biomedical research, clinical diagnostics, or academic science, a centrifuge is essential for separating samples with precision and speed. Understanding how centrifuges work—and choosing the right type—ensures your lab runs efficiently and reliably.

At LabFriend, we offer a wide range of centrifuges and accessories, ready to ship across Australia.

🔍 Explore centrifuges now: Shop Centrifuges