A laboratory centrifuge should be selected for a defined protocol, sample type and tube format—not simply for the highest revolutions per minute. The practical comparison starts with relative centrifugal force (RCF), then considers rotor geometry, capacity, temperature control, acceleration and braking profiles, and safety functions.
Browse available laboratory and medical centrifuges, or use the checklist below to prepare a precise equipment request.
RCF and RPM: what is the difference?
RPM describes how many revolutions the rotor makes per minute. RCF, expressed as multiples of gravitational acceleration (×g), describes the force acting on the sample. RCF depends on both speed and the distance from the rotor axis, so the same RPM can produce different RCF values in different rotors.
Laboratory protocols normally specify RCF because it is transferable between compatible instruments. When comparing models, check the required operating RCF for the intended rotor and tube position rather than relying only on the maximum RPM printed in a catalogue.
Fixed-angle, swing-out and special rotors
- Fixed-angle rotors hold tubes at a constant angle. They are compact and commonly used for rapid pelleting and routine separation.
- Swing-out rotors move the buckets to a horizontal position during operation. They are useful when a flat separation interface is important, including many plasma, serum and plate workflows.
- Special-purpose rotors are designed for defined tubes, microplates, cytology applications or blood-bank procedures. See the range of blood-bank centrifuges for dedicated workflows.
Confirm the complete combination of centrifuge, rotor, buckets, adapters, tube material, fill volume and permitted maximum RCF. A rotor that physically accepts a tube is not automatically approved for every speed or application.
When is a refrigerated centrifuge required?
Air friction and rotor operation can warm samples. A refrigerated centrifuge is appropriate when the method defines a temperature range or the material is temperature-sensitive. The relevant specification is not only the setpoint: compare precooling, temperature control at the required speed, recovery between runs and the operating limits of the selected rotor.
For routine procedures without a temperature requirement, a non-refrigerated model may be sufficient and easier to operate. Browse refrigerated centrifuges when active cooling is part of the protocol.
Capacity, tube formats and daily throughput
Capacity must be stated as both the number of positions and the supported tube volume—for example, 24 × 1.5/2.0 mL or 4 × 100 mL. Include all routine tube sizes, adapters and batches in the calculation. A larger chamber is useful only if the required rotor and accessories are available.
For frequent work, consider loading time, rotor changes, saved programs, lid ergonomics, cleaning access and run-to-run recovery. If several departments share one centrifuge, define the highest required RCF and the full set of tube formats before selecting the platform.
Typical laboratory workflows
- Plasma or serum preparation: often a swing-out rotor and moderate, protocol-defined RCF.
- Cell or particle pelleting: commonly a fixed-angle rotor and higher RCF.
- PCR and molecular biology: a microcentrifuge with compatible 0.2, 0.5, 1.5 or 2.0 mL formats.
- Blood-bank procedures: validated programs, dedicated rotors and, where required, temperature control.
Selection checklist
- Record the required RCF, run time and temperature from the method.
- List tube types, volumes, fill levels and the number of samples per batch.
- Select the rotor geometry and approved adapters.
- Decide whether active cooling and precooling are required.
- Check acceleration, braking and saved-program requirements.
- Confirm lid locking, imbalance detection and rotor-life tracking.
- Plan cleaning, maintenance, calibration checks and staff training.
Need help matching a protocol to a centrifuge? Contact Oselya with the required RCF, tube format, batch size, temperature and preferred rotor type.