In the ever-evolving field of veterinary medicine, technology advancements like the centrifuge have paved the way for more efficient and accurate diagnostics. Playing a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of all animal patients, many veterinary professionals still have questions about how they work, and if they are needed in a clinic setting. In this article, we will discuss some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to centrifuges, why veterinary clinics need to have a centrifuge, and various centrifuge options that are available right here at Intriquip.
Veterinary Centrifugiation: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a centrifuge/veterinary centrifuge?
At its core, a centrifuge is a specialized piece of laboratory equipment designed to separate heterogeneous mixtures into their different densities, using a gas or a liquid. Separation is achieved by spinning samples at high speeds, causing denser components to settle to the bottom of the sample container while lighter components stay on top.
Essentially, a centrifuge employs the principle of centrifugal force to separate particles in a heterogeneous mixture. A veterinary centrifuge follows the same proposition but would be used on animal patient samples to aid veterinary professionals in diagnosing and treating different types of diseases, viruses and disorders.
What is Relative Centrifugal Force?
Relative Centrifugal Force (RCF), also known as g force, is the measurement of gravitational force that a sample is subject to. The radial force generated by a spinning rotor in relation to the earth’s gravitational force makes up RCF. The g force experienced by the sample increases exponentially with the speed or rotation, which is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM).
How do I find the RCF if my centrifuge does not measure it?
Generally, many newer models of centrifuges measure both RCF and RPM, but some do not, and most older models do not. To find the RCF, you can use the formula and example below to manually find the correct RCF. To find the RCF manually, you must be given the radius (r). The manufacturer will usually provide this information for you, but it can be in a couple of different values.
A maximum, a minimum, and an average radius will usually be provided, which is the distance from the top, the bottom, and the middle of the centrifuge tube to the center of the rotor. Always use the maximum radius when manually calculating RCF.
Formula: RCF= (RPM)2 x 1.118 x 10-5 x r
Example: Solve for RCF when RMP=2500 and r=10
RCF= (RPM)2 x 1.118 x 10-5 x r
RCF= (2500)2 x 1.118 x 10-5 x 10
RCF= 6250000 x 1.118 x 0.00001 x 10
RCF= 698.75
How do I find the RPM if my centrifuge does not measure it?
Similar to finding the RCF, you can use a formula to manually calculate the RPM. To find RPM, you must know the RCF and radius (r). Using the formula and example below, you should be able to calculate your RMP.
Formula: RPM= √[RCF/(r x 1.118)] x 1 x 105
Example: Solve for RPM when RCF=698.75 and r=10
RPM= √[RCF/(r x 1.118)] x 1 x 105
RPM= √[698.75/(10 x 1.118)] x 1 x 105
RPM= √[698.75/(11.18)] x 1 x 105
RPM= √(62.5) x 1 x 105
RPM= √(62.5) x 100000
RPM= 2500
Veterinary Centrifuges: Why They Are So Important
Veterinary clinics serve a diverse clientele, including companion animals, large livestock animals, exotics, and more. Providing accurate care to any animal can be difficult without the correct tools or equipment, and without a centrifuge diagnosing different types of diseases and illnesses would be impossible. Let’s take a look at why veterinary centrifuges are such an indispensable piece of equipment to many clinics.
Blood Sample Analysis
One of the most common applications of a veterinary centrifuge is the separation of blood components or Blood Sample Analysis. Centrifugation allows veterinary professionals to separate red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma quickly and efficiently. Separation of blood is vital for diagnosing conditions such as anemia, leukemia, and blood clotting disorders.
Urinalysis
Veterinary centrifuges are used to separate urine samples, enabling the analysis of urine sediment. Urinalysis is crucial for identifying urinary tract infections, crystals, or other abnormalities in the urinary system.
Fecal Examination
In the diagnosis of gastrointestinal conditions, veterinary centrifuges assist in concentrating fecal matter, making it easier to detect parasites, ova, and cysts.
Cellular & Microbiological Studies
Centrifugation is essential for various cellular and microbiological studies, enabling the separation and purification of cells and microorganisms.
Intriquip’s Veterinary Centrifuges
Drucker 614B
The Drucker 614B Centrifuge is a low-cost, fixed-angle centrifuge designed for veterinary clinics. Its compact design takes up very little counter space and is built to last for many years of use in your clinic. Holding six, 15ml tubes, this centrifuge offers a single g force setting of 1100xg, for error-free operation, and has an adjustable mechanical timer.
Horizon 6 Flex
Ready to run right out of the box, the Horizon 6 Flex from Drucker is completely customizable to suit your clinic’s needs. This routine centrifuge is equipped with a digital display and allows you to pre-program up to ten cycles. Also holding a capacity of six, 3-10ml tubes, this machine offers intuitive lid lighting that stays on while the centrifuge is running; turning into a flashing light when the cycle is complete.
Drucker TrueBond
The Drucker TrueBond Multipurpose Centrifuge spins microhematocrit, fecal, blood, and urine all in one machine. Designed specifically for veterinary use, this machine also holds six 3-10ml tubes. Built to last, you can enjoy worry-free operation with its clear, shatter-proof lid, brushless motor, and imbalance protection. The TueBond holds a very small footprint of one square foot and is super lightweight, so it can easily be moved if ever needed.
E8 Centrifuge
The small but mighty E8 Centrifuge comes in three models: Fixed–Speed, Variable-Speed, and Digital–Speed and Time. With an eight, 3-15ml tube capacity, the E8 Centrifuge takes up little counter space and is lightweight. All three models have been engineered to be quiet, vibration-free, and have an auto-brake that stops the rotor in less than thirty seconds.
E8 Combination Centrifuge
Designed specifically to spin 75mm microhematocrit tubes and 1-15ml microtubes, the E8 Combination Centrifuge is also available in three models: Digital-Speed, Variable-Speed, and Fixed-Speed. These centrifuges are built with an auto-calibrating speed function, giving you accurate results every time. Like the other E8 Centrifuges, they are designed to fit into small spaces and are extremely quiet, allowing for a peaceful work environment.
Centrifuges: A Veterinary Clinic Essential
If you’re wondering whether your clinic needs a centrifuge, the answer is a resounding yes. It’s an investment in the health and well-being of the animals under your care, and the options available at Intriquip ensure you have the right tool for the job. Elevate your veterinary practice with the precision and efficiency that centrifuges provide, because when it comes to the well-being of our animal companions, every detail counts. To get started, contact us.