Safe operation of a laboratory centrifuge
Handle centrifuge with care
Filtration of the precipitate from supernatant solution used to be a common laboratory practice in earlier days. The operation was simple to carry out as it involved only pouring the solution gently over a tilted glass rod held against folded filter paper fixed inside a glass funnel .However, the process was time-consuming and took your precious laboratory time.
Today a centrifuge has become a widely accepted laboratory commodity just like a hot plate, pH meter or a thermometer. It affords rapid separation of the precipitate from the supernatant liquid and its separation power is based on the principle of centrifugal force. The solution is spun in circular motion at high speeds and the centrifugal force leads to a collection of suspended particles at the bottom of the centrifuge tube. After a fixed time the centrifuge is stopped and the supernatant liquid is separated. The biggest advantage is rapid separation of the precipitate in more than one tube.
The centrifuge offers substantial time saving but carelessness in use can result in damage to the system as well as injuries to you and others present in the lab.
Potential Hazards
First of all the potential hazards arising from use of centrifuge are summarized below:
Breakage of tubes at higher operating speeds
Spillage of contents of tubes which can damage the tube bowls and other interior parts
Escape of aerosols of toxic or corrosive liquids into the laboratory environment
Risk of flying debris of broken tubes
Risk of contamination by leakage of biologically active or radioactive materials
Minimization of Operational Risks
As in any other laboratory operation safety should be your prime concern. Wear your lab coat and in addition wear safety glasses to protect your eyes. Use of a face shield is recommended if you are centrifuging corrosive, bio-hazardous or radioactive materials. Face shield will additionally provide protection against flying objects.
Pre- Inspection
A lot of problems can be avoided if a few minutes are spent on initial inspection of the system before use :
Ensure that the centrifuge bowls and tubes are free of any spillages or broken tube debris.
Inspect the centrifuge tubes. These should be free of any cracks and are provided with sealing caps to prevent leakages during centrifugation
The rotor is properly seated and is fitting security to the central drive hub
Care During Operation
Use preferably unbreakable plastic centrifuge tubes
Avoid overfilling the tubes as it can result in spillages during runs. Centrifugal force can push the solution upwards along the tube walls during high-speed runs
Ensure that filled tubes are properly seated in the buckets before the start of run
The opposite tube pairs should be properly balanced in terms of weight before the start of centrifugation
Operate only within manufacturer prescribed run speeds
Properly close tubes before running .Covering with an aluminium foil is of little help as it can fly off or rupture during the process.
Always close the top cover before operating the system
Allow the centrifuge to come to rest before opening the top cover. In case hazardous materials are being handled allow at least 10 – 15 minutes before opening the cover
Do not attempt to move the centrifuge position when it is operating
Keep a spill kit ready in proximity to handle spills in case of emergencies
Use bio-safety cabinet for opening centrifuge tubes containing bio- hazardous samples
Post Operation Care
Post operation inspection before leaving the centrifuge is of equal importance as pre operation inspection.
Make required entries in the user log book on using the centrifuge
Open the centrifuge carefully after waiting and make sure it is free of any spills
In case of minor spills inside clean with a mild detergent using a soft brush and rinse with de-ionized water and finally dry with clean tissue
Inspect for any damage to the rotor or wells and report it to laboratory in- charge for timely rectification or replacement
In summary it can be said that a centrifuge is a useful laboratory appliance but requires adherence to essential safety guidelines during use.
thanks to Dr. Deepak Bhanot
Handle centrifuge with care
Filtration of the precipitate from supernatant solution used to be a common laboratory practice in earlier days. The operation was simple to carry out as it involved only pouring the solution gently over a tilted glass rod held against folded filter paper fixed inside a glass funnel .However, the process was time-consuming and took your precious laboratory time.
Today a centrifuge has become a widely accepted laboratory commodity just like a hot plate, pH meter or a thermometer. It affords rapid separation of the precipitate from the supernatant liquid and its separation power is based on the principle of centrifugal force. The solution is spun in circular motion at high speeds and the centrifugal force leads to a collection of suspended particles at the bottom of the centrifuge tube. After a fixed time the centrifuge is stopped and the supernatant liquid is separated. The biggest advantage is rapid separation of the precipitate in more than one tube.
The centrifuge offers substantial time saving but carelessness in use can result in damage to the system as well as injuries to you and others present in the lab.
Potential Hazards
First of all the potential hazards arising from use of centrifuge are summarized below:
Breakage of tubes at higher operating speeds
Spillage of contents of tubes which can damage the tube bowls and other interior parts
Escape of aerosols of toxic or corrosive liquids into the laboratory environment
Risk of flying debris of broken tubes
Risk of contamination by leakage of biologically active or radioactive materials
Minimization of Operational Risks
As in any other laboratory operation safety should be your prime concern. Wear your lab coat and in addition wear safety glasses to protect your eyes. Use of a face shield is recommended if you are centrifuging corrosive, bio-hazardous or radioactive materials. Face shield will additionally provide protection against flying objects.
Pre- Inspection
A lot of problems can be avoided if a few minutes are spent on initial inspection of the system before use :
Ensure that the centrifuge bowls and tubes are free of any spillages or broken tube debris.
Inspect the centrifuge tubes. These should be free of any cracks and are provided with sealing caps to prevent leakages during centrifugation
The rotor is properly seated and is fitting security to the central drive hub
Care During Operation
Use preferably unbreakable plastic centrifuge tubes
Avoid overfilling the tubes as it can result in spillages during runs. Centrifugal force can push the solution upwards along the tube walls during high-speed runs
Ensure that filled tubes are properly seated in the buckets before the start of run
The opposite tube pairs should be properly balanced in terms of weight before the start of centrifugation
Operate only within manufacturer prescribed run speeds
Properly close tubes before running .Covering with an aluminium foil is of little help as it can fly off or rupture during the process.
Always close the top cover before operating the system
Allow the centrifuge to come to rest before opening the top cover. In case hazardous materials are being handled allow at least 10 – 15 minutes before opening the cover
Do not attempt to move the centrifuge position when it is operating
Keep a spill kit ready in proximity to handle spills in case of emergencies
Use bio-safety cabinet for opening centrifuge tubes containing bio- hazardous samples
Post Operation Care
Post operation inspection before leaving the centrifuge is of equal importance as pre operation inspection.
Make required entries in the user log book on using the centrifuge
Open the centrifuge carefully after waiting and make sure it is free of any spills
In case of minor spills inside clean with a mild detergent using a soft brush and rinse with de-ionized water and finally dry with clean tissue
Inspect for any damage to the rotor or wells and report it to laboratory in- charge for timely rectification or replacement
In summary it can be said that a centrifuge is a useful laboratory appliance but requires adherence to essential safety guidelines during use.
thanks to Dr. Deepak Bhanot
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