CAPPRondo Clinical Centrifuge

Blood separation centrifuges work by spinning blood samples (in collection tubes) at high speeds. The high rotation speeds exert a rotational force on the blood collection tubes that is referred to as the centrifugal force. When blood collection tubes are spun in a blood separation centrifuge, the centrifugal force separates the various components of blood as a function of their density and quantity in the sample. Thus, the various components of blood can be separated into different layers for easy separation by simply running the blood samples in a high-quality blood separation centrifuge such as the CAPPRondo Basic Clinical Centrifuge.

Blood separation by centrifugation is a fast process that is usually completed in less than 15 minutes. Before blood separation is started, it is important to collect the blood sample in the correct tube for blood separation work. After this is done, let the sample sit on the bench for thirty minutes to an hour for the blood to coagulate in the collection tube. For best results, it would not be advisable to let the collection tube sit unrefrigerated for longer than an hour before centrifuging the blood. For clinical applications, blood separation centrifuges with lower centrifugal force, such as the CAPPRondo Advanced Clinical Centrifuge CRC-416X, are preferred. Research applications requiring quick turnover may use the CAPPRondo Basic Clinical Centrifuge with a higher centrifugal force for shorter blood separation times.

Blood cells are suspended in a yellowish substance called plasma. Plasma consists of water and several dissolved molecules. Together, the components of blood plasma account for its large volume in the blood (±55%). Some of the components of blood plasma include glucose, proteins, salts, clotting factors, hormones, immunoglobulins, and carbon dioxide from metabolic processes. Scientists can separate the components of blood plasma and use them to treat medical conditions including injury and disease. As plasma consists of many useful components, good blood separation techniques help clinicians treat patients more effectively.

Whole blood is a tissue with several cellular and non-cellular components. The major components of blood are cells, plasma, and platelets (cellular fragments involved in clotting). Blood consists of two types of cells i.e., red blood cells (erythrocytes), and white blood cells (leukocytes). Erythrocytes are the blood cells that distribute oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the living organism. Leukocytes, as part of the immune system, are responsible for attacking any infectious cells, thereby keeping the organism healthy. Leukocytes can be furthermore categorized into lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and neutrophils (granulocytes). The components of whole blood can be separated using blood separation techniques such as centrifugation. Blood separation allows scientists to provide treatments and study disease markers using the different components of blood.

Plasmapheresis is a procedure that is used in clinical facilities to separate plasma (the liquid portion of whole blood) from blood cells. Although most blood separation techniques such as centrifugation are conducted in a laboratory environment, plasmapheresis can be conducted in a clinical facility. Blood separation by plasmapheresis may be used to exchange unhealthy plasma in patients for healthy plasma from a donor. The process of plasmapheresis usually involves a two-way blood separation process. As plasma leaves the body the individual receives saline to protect them from dehydration.

White blood cells are separated from red blood cells before analysis to make it easier for researchers and clinicians to analyze them. There are much fewer white blood cells in whole blood compared to red blood cells. As a result, it would be difficult for scientists to access the white blood cells for routine clinical assays and research without an initial blood separation step. The blood separation techniques that are used usually create a distinct layer of white blood cells that scientists can then remove for further analysis. When scientists use blood separation centrifuges to separate white blood cells from red blood cells, the white blood cells are located in a layer known as the Buffy coat.