Laboratory centrifuges are essential laboratory equipment used for sample separation by applying controlled centrifugal force to liquid samples and suspension mediums. These lab centrifuges support life sciences, medical laboratories, and industrial research environments where reliable separation and repeatable performance are required.
This category includes:
- Benchtop centrifuges for routine laboratory applications such as cell separation, sample clarification, and cell biomass recovery.
- High-speed centrifuges designed for applications requiring elevated relative centrifugal force, including protein purification, nucleic acids processing, and nanoparticle separation.
- Refrigerated centrifuge systems incorporate temperature control to protect temperature-sensitive samples during DNA and RNA extraction or biological research workflows.
- Micro centrifuge systems compatible with microcentrifuge tubes and PCR strips used in small-volume laboratory applications.
Selecting laboratory centrifuges requires evaluation of:
- Centrifugal force and variable speed control influence separation efficiency across different sample densities.
- Rotor configurations, including fixed-angle rotors and swing-bucket rotors, support diverse centrifuge tubes and sample formats.
- Sample capacity and throughput, relevant in clinical benchtop centrifuge and blood centrifuge environments.
- Refrigeration systems, critical for maintaining stability of temperature-sensitive samples.
- Digital controls and safety features, such as safety lid and auto-locking lid mechanisms that enhance user safety and operational consistency.
Laboratory centrifuges are widely used in:
- Life sciences and biological research, supporting cell separation, DNA and RNA extraction, and protein purification.
- Medical laboratories and blood banks, including serological testing and PRP preparation.
- Materials and chemical laboratories, enabling nanoparticle separation and preparation for analytical methods such as HPLC protocols.
Through its portfolio of laboratory centrifuges, MSE Supplies LLC supports clinical, research, and industrial laboratories with reliable centrifugation equipment aligned to laboratory applications and operational requirements. For technical guidance or assistance selecting appropriate lab centrifuges, contact the MSE Supplies team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between RPM and RCF (x g)?
RPM is how fast the rotor turns. RCF, written as x g, is the force the sample actually feels, and it depends on both speed and rotor radius: RCF = 1.118 x 10^-5 x radius (cm) x RPM squared. Protocols should be followed in x g, because the same RPM gives a different force on a different rotor.
Which type of lab centrifuge do I need?
Microcentrifuges spin 0.2 to 2 mL tubes for DNA, RNA and protein work. Benchtop centrifuges handle 15 mL and 50 mL tubes, blood tubes and microplates for routine separation. High-speed centrifuges reach higher forces for pelleting fine precipitates, organelles and cell debris.
When do I need a refrigerated centrifuge?
Long or fast runs warm the chamber through air friction. If your samples are temperature sensitive, such as proteins, enzymes, RNA or live cells, a refrigerated model holds them at a set temperature, often 4 °C.
Should I use a fixed-angle or swing-out rotor?
Fixed-angle rotors hold tubes at a set angle and pellet samples faster at higher speeds. Swing-out rotors let tubes swing to horizontal, so the pellet forms flat at the tube bottom and layers separate cleanly, which suits blood separation and density gradients.
How do I balance a centrifuge?
Load tubes of equal mass directly opposite each other. If you have an odd number of samples, add a tube filled with water to the same mass. An unbalanced rotor causes vibration and can damage the drive.
What to know before you buy
This collection covers centrifuges from handheld spin-down units to refrigerated high-speed benchtop models, plus the rotors, adapters, tubes and racks that go with them. Brands include ELMI, Benchmark Scientific, Hermle, Biologix, IKA, NEST Scientific and MSE PRO. Start with your sample format and the speed your protocol needs.
For quick spin-downs of microtubes, a mini centrifuge such as the Benchmark MyFuge 12 Mini Centrifuge takes little bench space. Microplates need a plate rotor, which the Benchmark Platefuge Microplate Microcentrifuge provides. Routine low-speed work, such as pelleting cells or clarifying samples, suits benchtop units like the ELMI CM-7S Plus Benchtop Centrifuge (3500 rpm) or the Benchmark Sprint 8 Clinical Centrifuge. When a method needs higher force, or cooling to protect proteins and nucleic acids, look at the MSE PRO Benchtop High-Speed Refrigerated Centrifuge (21,000 RPM).
Before ordering, confirm that the rotor and adapters match your tubes. Hermle rotors and accessories are listed by centrifuge model, and IKA offers an adapter for 0.5 ml tubes. Consumables include Biologix 15 mL and 50 mL centrifuge tubes and NEST Scientific racks for both sizes. For more help choosing, read How to Choose the Right Centrifuge for Your Lab.
