The most expensive centrifuges available are not necessarily the most reliable, and the cheapest to buy are not necessarily the cheapest to run, says this consultant
How much will your next new laboratory centrifuge cost you?.
The purchase cost is naturally an important consideration, but the lifetime costs can vary considerably from one product to another. You will need to consider maintenance, repair, spare parts and accessories not to mention loss of production within your laboratory for downtime.
How long is the warranty period?.
Some manufactures offer two years, others only one.
In the event of a major component failure outside warranty, prices of components differ vastly between manufactures, in some cases by as much as £1000 for similar spares.
In recent years centrifuge technology has advanced considerably, with improvements in ease of use, constant and reproducible results, better reliability, and reduced noise levels.
However, not all the manufacturers have kept up to date with modern improvements.
DJB says its centrifuge statistics clearly show that the most expensive models are not always the most reliable.
On the contrary, there are low cost centrifuges available today that offer excellent reliability, modern technology and a two year warranty.
Statistically, centrifuges are purchased to provide service for a period of approximately ten years - therefore making the wrong choice could prove to be an expensive mistake, not only financial, but in time too.
For example the fitting of aerosol tight sealing caps to the centrifuge buckets is now mandatory in most pathology labs in order to meet GLP (good laboratory practice).
Some sealed caps are easy to fit, while others are not - and not all sealed caps can be fitted while the bucket is positioned in the centrifuge rotor.
This is often an area which gets overlooked during the procurement stage, and can lead to operator dissatisfaction and a reduction in sample throughput.
The separation or clarification of sensitive samples such as DNA extraction or stem cells requires a centrifuge that will not resuspend the sample during its deceleration phase.
The usual causes of resuspension of the pelleted sample are incorrect sample tube loading and/or balance, lack of cleaning and lubrication of the rotor, incorrect brake setting, and centrifuge anti-vibration suspension.
While the first three of these are a direct result of poor housekeeping and incorrect operation, the last can be either a lack of professional maintenance or simply the wrong choice of centrifuge.
It might make good sense, then, to seek professional advice from an independent centrifuge specialist.
Naturally a manufacturer or its official agent will only recommend particular products, while an independent provider will advise on the advantages and disadvantages between similar models from different manufacturers.
DJB says buyers should also insist that the centrifuge supplier provides a professional IQ (installation qualification) and OQ (operator qualification) instead of just delivering a box.
This will ensure that the centrifuge is sited and installed correctly, and that the centrifuge users have undergone a process of operational training.
Centrifuges produce high levels of energy that can be a danger to staff, if not installed or operated correctly.
