This video provides guidance for the safe use of centrifuges. It will introduce new staff to good laboratory practices and provide a meaningful technical review in safety for the more experienced laboratory worker.

Centrifugation isn't as simple as it appears. It requires a series of choices critical to both safety and effectiveness.

• Which centrifuge?
• Which rotor?
• Which tubes and adapters?
• What speed and for how long?
• What level of containment?

It also requires skillful technique and safe work practices.

• Avoid overfilling tubes or bottles.
• Check to see that the rotor is seated on the drive hub correctly.
• Balancing is critical.
• Don't overload beyond the rotor's maximum mass.
• With horizontal rotors, ensure all buckets are hooked correctly.
• Do not run the rotor beyond its rated maximum.
• Keep equipment clean and dry.
• Apply vacuum grease to the seals at least weekly.
• Make a habit of inspecting rotors.
• Maintain rotor logs.
• When centrifuging infectious materials always use aerosol containment tubes and rotors, load and unload rotors in a biological safety cabinet, and wait ten minutes before opening the centrifuge

1997 HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE

Used with permission