An important source of preanalytical error in medical laboratories: centrifugation
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Abstract: Centrifugation separates particles within the
specimen according to their shape, dimensions, and density
and basically can be defined as a separation method. The
centrifuge is an essential device in medical laboratories to
prepare the serum, plasma, and urine samples for analysis. It
is basically an electric device composed of the stationary
(motor) and the motile (rotor) part. The centrifugation
depends on two main variables: relative centrifugal force
(RCF) and centrifugation time. The physical impact separating
the specimen into its components in the centrifuge known as
RCF is expressed as the multiples of gravitational acceleration
(×g). RPM, defined as the number of rotations of the centrifuge
perminute, shows the speed of the centrifuge. RCF value
can be calculated by using RPM, and the centrifuge radius.
Because models and sizes of centrifuges vary considerably,
the use of gravity (g) forces instead of RPM is suggested. The
centrifuges can be classified according to their usage, speed,
technical specifications, and rotor type. An accurate and
precise centrifugation process is essential to prevent errors in
the preanalytical phase. The purpose of this document is to
ensure the standardization of a good, precise protocol for the
centrifugation process among the medical laboratories.