How can a centrifuge cause biological risk?
If used and/or maintained improperly, all centrifuges (including microcentrifuges) can present various hazards: Physical hazards: Mechanical failure due to mechanical stress, metal fatigue, and corrosion of the rotor over time.
Exposure hazards: Aerosolization of biohazardous, chemical, or radioactive materials..
How can use of a centrifuge cause a biological exposure risk?
Hazards include physical hazards due to mechanical failure (mechanical stress, metal fatigue, corrosion of rotor, imbalanced loads, etc.) and exposure hazards due to the materials utilized in the centrifuge (aerosolization of biohazardous, chemical, or radioactive materials)..
How do centrifuge actually work?
A centrifuge works by rotating at rapid speeds, thereby separating substances using the power of centripetal force (and the apparent centrifugal “force” — more on that concept later).
The force applied can reach several hundred or several thousand times that of the earth's gravity..
What are the hazards of centrifugation?
Hazards presented by all centrifuges, including microcentrifuges, if used and/or maintained improperly include: Physical hazards: Mechanical stress, metal fatigue, and corrosion of the rotor over time.
Exposure hazards: Aerosolization of biological, chemical, or radioactive materials..
What are the hazards of centrifuge?
Centrifuges, which operate at high speed, have great potential for injuring users if not operated properly.
Unbalanced centrifuge rotors can result in injury or death.
Sample container breakage can release aerosols that are harmful if inhaled..
What are the safety precautions of centrifuge?
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..
What is a centrifuge used for in a laboratory?
A laboratory centrifuge is used to separate fluids based on density.
Samples in a containing vessel are subjected to high-speed rotation to achieve separation..
What is a centrifuge used for?
Centrifuges are used in various laboratories to separate fluids, gases, or liquids based on density.
In research and clinical laboratories, centrifuges are often used for cell, organelle, virus, protein, and nucleic acid purification..
What is centrifuge safety?
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..
What is the centrifuge used for?
What Does A Centrifuge Do? Centrifuges separate heterogeneous mixtures into their various components – liquids in liquids, solids in liquids, and liquids in gases, based on the different densities of the components.
One of the most common uses is to separate red blood cells and other blood components from whole blood..
What is the purpose of a centrifuge in a laboratory?
A centrifuge is a laboratory device that is used for the separation of fluids, gas or liquid, based on density.
Separation is achieved by spinning a vessel containing material at high speed; the centrifugal force pushes heavier materials to the outside of the vessel..
What is the safety of a centrifuge?
Wear appropriate PPE: Including safety eyewear, gloves, a lab coat, and appropriate street clothing (i.e., long pants and closed-toe shoes).
Ensure gloves are compatible with hazard(s).
Inspect centrifuge: Ensure tubes are rated for intended use (speed, temperature, and chemical resistance).
Why do centrifuges pose a potential biosafety hazard?
If used and/or maintained improperly, all centrifuges (including microcentrifuges) can present various hazards: Physical hazards: Mechanical failure due to mechanical stress, metal fatigue, and corrosion of the rotor over time.
Exposure hazards: Aerosolization of biohazardous, chemical, or radioactive materials..
Why is it important to use a centrifuge?
Centrifuges are used in various laboratories to separate fluids, gases, or liquids based on density.
In research and clinical laboratories, centrifuges are often used for cell, organelle, virus, protein, and nucleic acid purification..
To use a centrifuge machine:
1Insert the test tube sample into one of the portals.
2) If needed based on the number of samples you are testing, insert test tubes filled with water for balance.
3) Secure the lid and select desired settings.
4) Start the centrifuge and wait for it to complete the cycle.- A centrifuge is a laboratory device that is used for the separation of fluids, gas or liquid, based on density.
Separation is achieved by spinning a vessel containing material at high speed; the centrifugal force pushes heavier materials to the outside of the vessel. - Allow the centrifuge to come to a complete stop before opening.
Wear appropriate gloves to remove rotor and samples.
Check inside of centrifuge for possible spills and leaks, clean centrifuge and rotor thoroughly if necessary.
Wash hands after removing gloves. - Clean the chamber, rotor, adapters, and external surfaces daily after use with a soft cloth soaked in pH-neutral detergents only.
Ensure that all parts are dried thoroughly.
Coat anodized aluminum parts with anti-corrosion oil regularly in order to increase their lifespans and reduce corrosion predisposition. - When centrifuging hazardous materials, use tightly capped tubes and/or sealable safety cups or rotors that can be loaded and unloaded in a fumehood or biosafety cabinet, depending on hazard.
Use in-line filter for high speed centrifuges and ultracentrifuges to prevent contamination of vacuum pump and pump oil.
