Safe Operation
- Use safety cups whenever possible.
- Disinfect or clean weekly and after all spills or breakages.
- Lubricate O-rings and rotor threads weekly.
- Do not operate the centrifuge without the rotor properly balanced.
- Do not use rotors that have been dropped.
Accordingly, how centrifuge works in separation?
A centrifuge works by using the principle of sedimentation: Under the influence of gravitational force (g-force), substances separate according to their density. … Here, particles are concentrated as a pellet at the bottom of the centrifuge tube and separated from the remaining solution, called supernatant.
- Use unbreakable tubes (i.e., not glass).
- Avoid overfilling the tubes.
- Use centrifuge tubes with o-ring screw caps.
- Ensure that the centrifuge is properly balanced.
Subsequently, what are 5 safety precautions for a laboratory?
General Laboratory Safety Rules
- Know locations of laboratory safety showers, eyewashstations, and fire extinguishers. …
- Know emergency exit routes.
- Avoid skin and eye contact with all chemicals.
- Minimize all chemical exposures.
- No horseplay will be tolerated.
- Assume that all chemicals of unknown toxicity are highly toxic.
What are the parts of a centrifuge?
Basic centrifuge components include an electric motor, a shaft and rotor heads on which the centrifuge head turns, and a motor- drive assembly. If the centrifuge is refrigerated, a compressor and associated components are included. The entire system is housed within a chamber.
What are the steps of centrifugation?
How to Use a Centrifuge Machine
- Insert the test tube sample into one of the portals.
- If needed based on the number of samples you are testing, insert test tubes filled with water for balance.
- Secure the lid and select desired settings.
- Start the centrifuge and wait for it to complete the cycle.
What are the types of centrifuges?
Generally, there are two types of centrifuges: the filtration and sedimentation centrifuges.
What happens during centrifugation?
Centrifugation is a mechanical process which involves the use of the centrifugal force to separate particles from a solution according to their size, shape, density, medium viscosity and rotor speed. … The larger the size and the larger the density of the particles, the faster they separate from the mixture.
What is the most unsafe event regarding a centrifuge?
User error is the biggest cause of centrifuge malfunction. Common causes of centrifuge malfunctions include: Failure to place the lid on the rotor. Failure to properly secure the rotor lid.
What should not be done when using centrifuge?
Centrifuge Operation
- Do not leave centrifuge until full operating speed is reached and appears to be running safely without incident.
- Stop centrifuge immediately if you notice any unusual noises or shaking. …
- To prevent rotor failure, do not exceed maximum speed and maximum mass limits for the rotor.
What two things are extremely important to remember when centrifuging?
There are two factors to consider. First ensure that the sample tubes are at an equal volume. Second, make sure that the tubes are balanced within the centrifuge by placing tubes directly opposite of each other.
Which of the following are safe work practices when working with centrifuges?
Wear a lab coat, safety glasses and gloves during cleanup. Remove rotors and buckets to the nearest biological safety cabinet for cleanup. Thoroughly disinfect inside of centrifuge. Discard contaminated disposable materials using appropriate biohazardous waste disposal procedures (check with your lab manager).
Which of the following is very important when centrifuging a specimen?
The centrifuge must be properly balanced. This is to prevent excessive vibration and potential breakage of the specimen tube. It is also necessary to properly separate the serum/plasma from the cells. Always balance the sample with a tube of the same type with the same amount of liquid.
Why are two tubes needed for centrifugation?
If you are spinning more than two tubes, only the tubes directly opposite each other have to be equal in mass. At high speeds, a centrifuge can easily become unbalanced if equal masses aren’t located opposite each other in the rotor.