June 2003

Centrifuges, Blood Bank

different densities, often as preparation for further
Scope of this Product Comparison diagnostic tests. These liquids can be bodily fluids (e.g.,
blood, serum, urine), commercial reagents, or mixtures
This Product Comparison covers blood bank centri-
of the two with other additives. In the blood bank,
fuges used routinely to spin cell suspensions. Other
centrifugation is used in many procedures, including
centrifuges that can also be used in the blood bank
enhancing immediate agglutination for blood-group-
(e.g., cell-washing centrifuges, general-purpose
ing tests, manual cell washing, and antiglobulin test-
floor and tabletop centrifuges) are not included; for
ing. By creating forces many times greater than
information on other types of centrifuges, see the
gravity, centrifuges can greatly accelerate separations
following Product Comparisons:
that occur naturally as a result of differences in den-
• Centrifuges, Cell Washing sity. In its simplest form, a centrifuge is a metal rotor
• Centrifuges, Cytological with holes to accommodate vessels of liquids, spun at
selected speeds by a motor.
• Centrifuges, Floor
The three general centrifuge types are the low-
• Centrifuges, Microhematocrit
speed centrifuge, the high-speed centrifuge, and the
• Centrifuges, Tabletop
• Microcentrifuges
• Ultracentrifuges
These devices are also called: serological
centrifuges.
UMDNS information
This Product Comparison covers the following
device terms and product codes as listed in
ECRI’s Universal Medical Device Nomenclature
System™ (UMDNS™):
• Centrifuges, Floor, Low-Speed, Nonrefriger-
ated, Blood Bank [15-115]
• Centrifuges, Tabletop, Low-Speed, Nonrefrig-
erated, Blood Bank [18-267]

Purpose
Centrifuges apply centrifugal force to separate sus-
pended particles from a liquid or to separate liquids of

212314 5200 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462-1298, USA

424-009 Telephone +1 (610) 825-6000 ● Fax +1 (610) 834-1275 ● E-mail hpcs@ecri.org
Healthcare Product Comparison System
ultracentrifuge. Variations of the high- and low-speed
centrifuges found in the clinical laboratory include
tabletop units, floor-standing models, and such spe-
cial-purpose instruments as blood bank centrifuges,
microcentrifuges, microhematocrit centrifuges, cyto-
centrifuges, and continuous-flow systems.
Low-speed centrifuges have a general operating
range of up to 10,000 revolutions per minute (rpm).
Available in nonrefrigerated or refrigerated versions,
low-speed units are used primarily to centrifuge red
blood cells or bulky precipitates; they cannot reach
sufficient speeds to adequately separate ultrasmall
particles (e.g., viruses, DNA molecules) or macromole-
cules or to perform density gradient centrifugation.
Blood bank centrifuges operate at low speeds (2,400
to 5,500 rpm). They are used to centrifuge solutions of
suspended red blood cells, enhancing agglutination
and promoting the formation of packed cells at the
bottom of the tube — the cell “button” — which re-
mains during the decantation step of manual cell
washing. The centrifuge usually has a removable plas-
tic rotor that holds standard 10 × 75 mm or 12 × 75 mm
tubes.
Principles of operation
Centrifugation
Centrifugation is based on the fact that an object
moving in a circular path at a steady angular velocity
is subjected to an outwardly directed force. The mag-
nitude of this force depends both on the rotor radius
and the speed squared. This force is called the relative
centrifugal force or relative centrifugal field (RCF). It
is expressed as a multiple of g. RCF is used to compare
forces attained by different centrifuges. Centrifuge
comparisons can be made in terms of RCF because the
RCF describes the true separation efficiency of a cen-
trifuge. In general, the RCF values of a standard blood
bank centrifuge range from 500 to 1,000 g (some range
up to 4,000 g), while those of a standard tabletop
centrifuge range from 1,200 to 6,240 g.
Calculating the RCF exerted on a sample requires
that the sample be located at a fixed distance from the
center of rotation. Due to rotor design, this distance
varies from the top to the bottom of the sample holder,
and the RCF exerted on the top of the sample may be
significantly different from that exerted on the bottom.
The average of the values exerted on the top and
bottom of the same chamber, called average RCF, can
be used to compensate for this difference.
The RCF is calculated manually or automatically
and depends on the radius of the rotor head. For
2 ©2003 ECRI. Duplication of this page by any means for any purpose is prohibited.
manual models, manufacturers typically supply tables
that permit easy determination of the RCF for a rotor
at a particular speed; microprocessor-controlled mod-
els automatically calculate the required rotational
speed and drive the motor.
Centrifuge components
The basic components of a blood bank centrifuge
include an electric motor, a shaft, and a rotor head
(often interchangeable). The rotor, which holds the
vessels of liquid, is spun at selected speeds by a motor.
The rotor is housed within a chamber; a safety shield
in the chamber surrounds the rotor as a precaution
against a broken head or similar failure, which could
hurl fragments at dangerously high velocities.
Most blood bank centrifuges have a timer connected
to the motor that allows timed use, while some models
can be operated in a continuous mode. Because of the
high operational speeds, the brushes often used to
conduct electricity to the rotating armature of the rotor
can wear quickly and must be replaced more fre-
quently than any other component. Some centrifuge
models use a frequency-controlled induction method
instead of brushes to conduct electricity to the drive
assembly. Many centrifuges come equipped with me-
chanical brakes, which press on the rotor itself, or
electric brakes, which reverse the polarity of the cur-
rent to the motor.
Rotor
Samples to be centrifuged are typically loaded into
tubes, cups, bottles, microscope slides, flasks, micro-
plates, and racks, which are placed in slots on the rotor
head. Rotors are constructed from aluminum alloys for
low to moderate speeds or titanium for high speeds and
are available in a variety of designs, the two most
common being the fixed angle and the swinging bucket
(also called horizontal).
The fixed-angle rotor (see Fig. 1) is designed with 4
to 40 holes at an angle between 20° and 45° to the
vertical axis of the rotor. These high-capacity rotors
are most often used for applications requiring total
sedimentation of a specimen component.
The swinging-bucket rotor (see Fig. 2) commonly
includes two to six freely moving buckets arranged
symmetrically around the shaft. At rest, the buckets
hang vertically; during operation, they swing out to a
90° angle. This rotor can be used for incomplete sedi-
mentation of a sample through a density gradient.
The zonal rotor is a large-capacity rotor shaped like
a bowl and divided by a veined core or by septa (see
Fig. 3). Unlike conventional centrifugal rotors, the
 Centrifuges, Blood Bank

A potentiometer controls the speed by raising or

lowering the voltage supplied to the motor. Some mod-
els are equipped with an LED (light-emitting diode)
display and a keyboard, enabling the user to program
a specific speed.

A tachometer indicates the speed in rpm. The ta-

chometer movement can be triggered by a cable or
shaft attached to the motor spindle. Some units may
have an electric tachometer, which contains a magnet
that rotates around a coil and produces a measurable
current that is converted into an rpm reading on either
a digital display or an analog meter.
Figure 1. Fixed-angle rotor

zonal rotor is empty at the beginning of centrifugation

and must be spinning at 300 to 3,000 rpm (depending
on the centrifuge system) before it can be loaded. The
gradient is pumped into the rotor through a movable
seal-and-bearing assembly and then flows through
drilled holes in the septa and onto the inside perimeter
of the rotor (the material of lower density is displaced
toward the center of rotation). Next, the sample is
added on top of the lower-density portion of the gradi-
ent through another set of openings at the base of each
vein. As the sample spins, the sedimenting species
move radially until they reach a density similar to their
own. When centrifugation is complete, a dense solution
is pumped into the rotor, forcing the sample out
through the sample core so that it can be collected.
The continuous-flow rotor, a variation of the zonal
rotor, is used to concentrate and purify particles rang-
ing from the size of ribosomes to that of whole cells.
Continuous-flow rotors are cylindrical in shape and
contain ports at the top and bottom for loading and
unloading the gradient and sample. The rotor must be
fast enough to allow particles to sediment at its sides,
away from the flowing stream (suspension). The indus-
trial-scale preparation of vaccines is a common appli-
cation of continuous-flow rotors.

Other features
Other basic features include a power switch, brak-
ing device, speed control (potentiometer), timer, and
tachometer. Some units have a switch that allows
continuous operation or operation by a timer. Many
centrifuge models have a timer connected to the motor
for timed or continuous use. Some have a momentary-
or short-spin button that provides rapid acceleration
and high-speed centrifugation as long as the button is
pressed. Usually, it is possible to spin the rotor back-
ward or reverse its direction by holding the electric Figure 2. Swinging-bucket rotor
brake longer than is necessary to stop the motor.

©2003 ECRI. Duplication of this page by any means for any purpose is prohibited. 3
Healthcare Product Comparison System
Figure 3. Zonal rotor
Centrifuge use
Operator access is provided by a lid, which usually
features a safety interlock to prevent the centrifuge
from operating while the lid is open, or a power discon-
nect, which automatically turns off the power to the
rotor when the lid is opened. Operator controls are
located on the outside of the chamber or on a control
panel. Monitors commonly display the critical parame-
ters at which the unit is operating, such as rotational
speed (in rpm), temperature, and elapsed time.
The operator begins the centrifugation process by
loading the samples into the rotor head within the
instrument housing and closing the lid. Next, the op-
erator selects the appropriate rpm, temperature (if the
unit is refrigerated), and total time for the desired
separation, usually by flipping a switch (if only two
settings exist), by adjusting a potentiometer, or by
using a keyboard. Some units also permit selection of
the degree of braking applied to the shaft following
centrifugation.
Some centrifuge microprocessors permit the user to
program a set or sequence of operating parameters
that are frequently used in laboratory procedures, such
as acceleration rate, rotational speed, temperature,
total time, and braking rate. After the operator loads
a rotor head filled with patient samples, some models
allow the operator to select a coded program number
so that all steps in the procedure occur automatically.
When working with hazardous materials, personnel
safety should be considered. In addition to the centrifuge’s
4 ©2003 ECRI. Duplication of this page by any means for any purpose is prohibited.
external lids, inner safety lids that fit over the rotor
and bucket or tube covers that contain the sample
material are available. Both safety lids and bucket/
tube covers help prevent exposure to aerosolized
pathogens. Gaskets provide a tight seal between the
unit lid and body to prevent expulsion of hazardous
materials and aerosols. Bowl drains have been added
to many models so that specimen spills and container
debris can be effectively and safely removed. Proce-
dures and personal protective equipment, such as gog-
gles and face shields, should also be used to minimize
user exposure to aerosolized bloodborne pathogens.
Components of centrifuges that come in contact with
hazardous materials and the operator should be prop-
erly disinfected (e.g., with 10% hypochlorite). Safety
issues have been addressed by several international
agencies (see Standards and Guidelines below).
Reported problems
Calibration is critical to the optimal performance of
centrifuges. Rotational speed and timer function
should be regularly checked and the appropriate com-
ponents recalibrated. If possible, the rotational speed
measurement should be verified using a photo-
tachometer under actual operating conditions (with
the centrifuge lid closed); however, not all centrifuges
readily allow calibration in this manner, and another
technique may be required. Timers should be checked
with a stopwatch.
Because centrifuges are in constant use in the labo-
ratory and because of their inherent operating haz-
ards, most manufacturers recommend frequent
preventive maintenance. Leakage current and ground-
ing resistance, as well as brushes, bearing lubrication,
and the safety interlock systems on lids, should be
checked frequently. For safe operation and longer life,
brushes should be replaced before excessive wear oc-
curs, and loose carbon deposits should be cleaned regu-
larly (see the citation from the Health Devices
Inspection and Preventive Maintenance System below).
Centrifuges draw a large amount of current, result-
ing in power line transients and electrical noise. Un-
der these conditions, analytic instruments such as
spectrophotometers, clinical chemistry analyzers, and
hematology analyzers can be particularly prone to
unreliable operation. Therefore, centrifuges should be
connected only to circuits reserved for nonanalytic
equipment.
Centrifuge rotors are especially vulnerable to dete-
rioration caused by foreign-matter buildup and should
be regularly inspected and cleaned. Rotors should be
replaced periodically; otherwise, they could fail and

possibly destroy the centrifuge in the process. Rotors
must fit properly on the centrifuge because wobbles
will cause excessive wear of the drive elements; if the
rotor is not securely fastened, it may fly off at extraor-
dinary speed. Rotors should not be interchanged
among different models unless they are specifically
designed to be interchangeable. Corrosive chemicals
found in certain cleaning fluids can cause pitting or
etching of the rotor surface, so only manufacturer-
specified materials should be used for rotor cleaning
and maintenance. The recommended frequency of pre-
ventive maintenance varies among system compo-
nents. Many manufacturers recommend daily bowl
cleaning.
Centrifuges should never be operated with lids open
because of the hazards posed by a flying rotor or the
dispersal of biologically hazardous material. ECRI re-
ceived a report (see the Health Devices citations below)
of a case in which a centrifuge tube broke during use
and blood products and glass sprayed from beneath the
lid onto the chest of a medical technologist, exposing
the worker to injury and possible infection. Tube
breakage can occur in centrifuges when the rotor is
misaligned, tubes are old or defective, or the device is
not used correctly. ECRI recommends using centri-
fuges with safety lid latches and/or interlocks that shut
off the motor when the lid is opened or that keep the
lid latched until the rotor has stopped. In addition, the
unit should have an inner lid that can be securely
fastened.
Operators should be aware that excessive vibrations
(often called “criticals”) occur at certain rotational
speeds particular to each instrument. This dynamic
condition, known as resonance, is induced by the com-
bination of the mechanical vibrations of the moving
parts. Centrifuges should be operated at speeds
slightly above or below resonant speeds to avoid exces-
sive wear.
Operators should always use universal precautions
when performing centrifugation and other functions that
may cause exposure to splashed blood or bodily fluids.
These precautions include wearing disposable gloves,
facial protection (e.g., shields), gowns or laboratory
coats, and plastic aprons as specified by NCCLS — The
Clinical Laboratory Standards Organization and the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) (see Standards and Guidelines below).
Purchase considerations
Buyers should try to correlate blood bank centrifuge
features with their current and projected laboratory
needs to avoid overspending on a unit with unnecessary
©2003 ECRI. Duplication of this page by any means for any purpose is prohibited.
Centrifuges, Blood Bank
capabilities or purchasing a less expensive model that
cannot handle the laboratory workload or is inade-
quate for certain procedures. For example, larger fa-
cilities where many cell-suspension samples are
centrifuged daily may require a centrifuge with pro-
grammable functions. On the other hand, smaller labo-
ratories that perform low or moderate daily sample
processing may not need a programmable unit.
Safety features are a prime consideration when
purchasing a centrifuge. A centrifuge should have a
securely interlocking lid that either shuts off the unit’s
motor when the lid is opened or keeps the lid latched
until the rotor has stopped. Additional safety features
include an inner protective cover over the rotor assem-
bly and a display warning that the centrifuge should
not be opened while the rotor is spinning. A centrifuge
should have clear, easily read visual indicators or
displays; audible signals or alarms for device malfunc-
tion, rotor imbalance, or an open lid are also helpful.
Stage of development
Because centrifuge use can save time and increase
productivity compared to manual separation, demand
for the devices has increased in recent years. By in-
stalling two or more units, laboratories can cope with
the varying needs of discrete workstations, handle
staggered workflow more easily, and efficiently handle
large or small specimen batches. The large variety of
rotor heads available permits efficient sharing of the
same instrument among several workstations.
The recent trend in tabletop centrifuge design has
been toward brushless motors. Some centrifuges fea-
ture longer-wear brushes, while other models do not
use brushes at all. The advantage of using a brushless
induction system is that this method involves no physi-
cal contact with the motor; the system uses a magnetic
field to induce the electrical current.
In addition to brushless induction systems, newer
centrifuges may have permanently lubricated bear-
ings, microprocessors that allow the operator to select
operational parameters by keyboard, and LED dis-
plays of operational parameters. Some microproces-
sor-controlled centrifuges can identify their rotors by
reading a bar code imprinted on the rotor surface; the
microprocessor can then set operational parameters on
centrifuge operation by using the bar-code information
to access data stored in memory (e.g., maximum
speed). Computerized centrifuges can interface with
personal computers to record and/or modify opera-
tional parameters.
5
Healthcare Product Comparison System
Bibliography
Burtis CA, Ashwood ER, eds. Tietz fundamentals of
clinical chemistry. 5th ed. Philadelphia: WB Saun-
ders; 2001.
Uldall A, Trier Damgaard P, Drachmann O, et al. IFCC
guidelines (1990) for selection of safe laboratory
centrifuges and for their safe use with general pur-
pose appendices concerning centrifuge nomencla-
ture, quantities and units, and calculation of
centrifugal acceleration. J Auto Chem 1991 Sep-Oct;
13(5):221-9.
Standards and guidelines
Note: Although every effort is made to ensure that the
following list is comprehensive, please note that other
applicable standards may exist.
American Association of Blood Banks. Standards for
blood bank and transfusion services. 1997 (updated
2000).
American National Standards Institute/Association
for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation.
Safe current limits for electromedical apparatus
[standard]. 3rd ed. ANSI/AAMI ES1-1993. 1985 (re-
vised 1993).
European Committee for Standardization. Centri-
fuges. Common safety requirements [standard]. EN
313:1994. 1995.
International Council for Standardization in Haema-
tology. Recommended methods for the determina-
tion of packed cell volume by centrifugation
[recommendation]. ICSH Expert Panel on Cy-
tometry. Biochim Clin 1990;14(4):405-10.
International Electrotechnical Commission. Medical
electrical equipment — part 1: general require-
ments for safety [standard]. IEC 60601-1 (1988-12).
1988.
Medical electrical equipment — part 1: general re-
quirements for safety. Amendment 1 [standard].
IEC 60601-1-am1 (1991-11). 1991.
Medical electrical equipment — part 1: general re-
quirements for safety. Amendment 2 [standard].
IEC 60601-1-am2 (1995-03). 1995.
Medical electrical equipment — part 1: general re-
quirements for safety. Section 1. Collateral stand-
ard: safety requirements for medical electrical
systems. IEC 60601-1-1 (1992-06). 1992.
Medical electrical equipment — part 1: general re-
quirements for safety. Section 1. Collateral stand-
ard: safety requirements for medical electrical
6 ©2003 ECRI. Duplication of this page by any means for any purpose is prohibited.
systems. Amendment 1. IEC 60601-1-1-am1 (1995-
11). 1995.
Medical electrical equipment — part 1: general re-
quirements for safety. Section 2. Collateral stand-
ard: electromagnetic compatibility — requirements
and tests. IEC 60601-1-2 (2001-09). 2001.
Safety requirements for electrical equipment for
measurement, control, and laboratory use. Part 2-
020: particular requirements for laboratory centri-
fuges [standard]. IEC 61010-2-020 (1992-09). 1992.
Safety requirements for electrical equipment for
measurement, control, and laboratory use. Part 2-
020: particular requirements for laboratory centri-
fuges. Amendment 1 [standard]. IEC
61010-2-020-am1 (1996-01). 1996.
Laboratory Centre for Disease Control. Bloodborne
pathogens in the health care setting: risk for trans-
mission [report]. Can Med Assoc J 1993
May;148(10):1747-52.
NCCLS — The Clinical Laboratory Standards Organi-
zation. Clinical laboratory safety [guideline]. GP17-
A. 1996.
Protection of laboratory workers from instrument
biohazards and infectious diseases transmitted by
blood, body fluids, and tissue [guideline]. M29-A.
1997.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of
1988 (CLIA). Fed Regist 1992 Feb 28;57(40):7002-
288.
Final regulations of the Clinical Laboratory Im-
provement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) were publish-
ed in February 1992 by the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services. Under the CLIA regulations, all
clinical laboratories are required to obtain federally
issued certificates. To receive and keep the certificates,
labs must meet performance standards that vary with
the complexity of the performed tests. Blood bank
centrifuges may be used in testing procedures desig-
nated as moderately or highly complex. Laboratory
personnel should be familiar with the requirements of
CLIA and comply with all the CLIA provisions for
certification for the types of tests the laboratory per-
forms.
U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Safety and
Health Administration. Occupational exposure to
bloodborne pathogens. 29 CFR. 2001.
 Centrifuges, Blood Bank

Citations from other ECRI publications Beckman Coulter

Health Devices Beckman Coulter Inc [340083]

4300 N Harbor Blvd
Centrifuges [hazard summary]. 1992 Dec;21(12):459- Fullerton CA 92834-3100
60. Phone: (714) 871-4848, (800) 526-7694
Fax: (714) 773-8283
Centrifuges [hazard summary]. 1995 Apr;24(4):158-9. E-mail: twarren@beckman.com
Internet: http://www.beckmancoulter.com
Centrifuge safety [Talk to the specialist]. 1997 Jun;
26(6):257-8. Beckman Coulter Instruments France SA
[175263]
Health Devices Inspection and Preventive Maintenance Paris Nord II 33 rue des Vanesses
System boite postale 50359 Villepinte
F-95942 Roissy CDG Cedex
Centrifuges. Procedure no. 456. France
Phone: 33 (1) 49909000
Fax: 33 (1) 49909010
Supplier information E-mail: beckman_france@beckman.com
Internet: http://www.beckman.com
Beckman Coulter Instruments GmbH [175266]
ALC Frankfurter Ring 115
D-80807 Muenchen
ALC International srl [184842]
Germany
via Carlo Porta 3
Phone: 49 (89) 359700
I-20093 Cologno Monzese MI
Fax: 49 (89) 35870490
Italy
Internet: http://www.beckman.com
Phone: 39 (02) 2511141
Fax: 39 (02) 26708079 Beckman Coulter KK [175265]
E-mail: alc@alcint.it Toranomon 37 Mori Building
Internet: http://www.alcint.it 3-5-1 Toranomon Minato-ku
Tokyo 105-0001
Japan
BD Phone: 81 (3) 54048359
Fax: 81 (3) 54048436
BD Consumer Healthcare Internet: http://www.beckmancoulter.com
Div BD [378351]
1 Becton Dr
Clements Medical
Franklin Lakes NJ 07417-1880
Phone: (201) 847-6800, (888) 237-2762 Clements Medical Equipment Pty Ltd [305625]
Internet: http://www.bd.com 5 Cal Close
Somersby, NSW 2250
BD Europa Australia
Div BD [378368] Phone: 61 (2) 43402484
5 Chemin des Sources Fax: 61 (2) 43405121
boite postale 37 E-mail: sales@clemequip.com.au
F-38241 Meylan Cedex Internet: http://www.clemequip.com.au
France
Phone: 33 (4) 76416584 Drucker
Fax: 33 (4) 76418560
The Drucker Co [103035]
BD (Singapore) [378364] 200 Shady Lane Dr
30 Tuas Avenue 2 Philipsburg PA 16866
Singapore 639461 Phone: (814) 342-6205, (888) 299-7778
Republic of Singapore Fax: (814) 342-6211
Phone: 65 8610633 E-mail: kjmjr@druckerco.com
Fax: 65 8601590 Internet: http://www.druckercompany.com

©2003 ECRI. Duplication of this page by any means for any purpose is prohibited. 7
Healthcare Product Comparison System

Eppendorf Fisher Scientific UK [289494]

Bishop Meadow Road
Brinkmann Instruments Inc [103257]
Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 0RG
One Cantiague Rd
England
PO Box 1019
Phone: 44 (1509) 231166
Westbury NY 11590-0207
Fax: 44 (1509) 231893
Phone: (516) 334-7500, (800) 645-3050
Fax: (516) 334-7506
E-mail: info@brinkmann.com GFMD
Internet: http://www.brinkmann.com
GFMD Ltd [199566]
Eppendorf AG [174871] 2280 Springlake Rd Suite 106
Barkhausenweg 1 Dallas TX 75234-5830
D-22339 Hamburg Phone: (972) 919-1780, (800) 527-2320
Germany Fax: (972) 247-3690
Phone: 49 (40) 538010 E-mail: info@gfmd.com
Fax: 49 (40) 53801556 Internet: http://www.gfmd.com
E-mail: mail@eppendorf.de
Internet: http://www.eppendorf.de
Eppendorf AG (Malaysia) Hettich
c/o B Braun Biotech International [306017] Andreas Hettich GmbH & Co KG [152541]
Suite 10 04 Wisma Integrated Gartenstrasse 100
Persiaran Kewajipan USJ1 D-78532 Tuttlingen
47600 Subang Jaya Germany
Selangor Darul Ehsan Phone: 49 (7461) 7050
Malaysia Fax: 49 (7461) 705125
Phone: 60 (3) 80232769 E-mail: info@hettichlab.com
Fax: 60 (3) 80233720 Internet: http://www.hettichlab.com
E-mail: eppendorf@eppendorf.com.my
Internet: http://www.eppendorf.com Hettich AG [334299]
Seestrasse 204a
Eppendorf srl [305994] CH-8806 Baech
via Zante 14 Switzerland
I-20138 Milano MI Phone: 41 (1) 7845011
Italy Fax: 41 (1) 7849342
Phone: 39 (02) 58013409 E-mail: barbara.lutz@hettich-ag.ch
Fax: 39 (02) 58013438 Internet: http://www.hettich-ag.ch
E-mail: eppendorf.srl@agora.stm.it
Internet: http://www.eppendorf.com PRO Scientific Inc [174585]
99 Willenbrock Rd
Fisher Scientific Oxford CT 06478
Phone: (203) 267-4600, (800) 584-3776
Fisher Scientific Co [103117] Fax: (203) 267-4606
2000 Park Lane Dr E-mail: sales@proscientific.com
Pittsburgh PA 15275-1126 Internet: http://www.proscientific.com
Phone: (412) 490-8300, (800) 766-7000 North American sales office
Fax: (412) 490-8945
E-mail: info@fishersci.com
Internet: http://www.fishersci.com Hitachi
Fisher Scientific Co (Canada) [129383] Hitachi High-Technologies America Inc [409074]
112 Colonnade Rd 10 N Martingale Suite 500
Nepean ON K2E 7L6 Schaumburg IL 60173
Canada Phone: (847) 273-4141
Phone: (613) 226-8874 Fax: (847) 273-4407
Fax: (613) 226-8639 Internet: http://www.hitachi-hhta.com

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 Centrifuges, Blood Bank

Hitachi High-Technologies Europe (UK) [409777] Kendro Laboratory Products GmbH

Craven House (Deutschland) [354749]
40 Uxbridge Road Postfach 1563
Ealing, London W5 2BS Heraeusstrasse 12-14
England D-63405 Hanau
Phone: 44 (207) 3066727 Germany
Fax: 44 (208) 5665435 Phone: 49 (1805) 536376
Internet: http://www.hht-eu.com Fax: 49 (1805) 112114
E-mail: info@kendro.de
Hitachi koki Co Ltd Internet: http://www.kendro.de
Life-Science Instruments Division [266962]
1060 Takeda Kendro Laboratory Products (India) Pvt Ltd
Hitachinaka, Ibaraki Pref 312-8502 [346056]
Japan B-5/75 (LGF) Safdarjung Enclave
Phone: 81 (29) 2769454 New Delhi 110 029
Fax: 81 (29) 2767475 India
E-mail: himac@hitachi-koki.co.jp Phone: 91 (11) 6184840
Internet: http://www.hitachi-koki.com/himac Fax: 91 (11) 6185397
E-mail: kendro.india@vsnl.com
Internet: http://www.kendro.com

Kendro Laboratory Products Pty Ltd [271648]

Jouan Building 4
2-6 Orion Road
ALC Lane Cove, NSW 2066
Div Jouan Inc [347005] Australia
170 Marcel Dr Phone: 61 (2) 99361540
Winchester VA 22602-4843 Fax: 61 (2) 94279765
Phone: (540) 869-8623, (800) 662-7477 E-mail: info@kendro.com.au
Fax: (540) 869-8626
E-mail: info@jouaninc.com
Internet: http://www.jouan.com
Kokusan

ALC International srl [184842] Kokusan Corp [232358]

via Carlo Porta 3 3-9 Taito 2-chome
I-20093 Cologno Monzese MI Taito-ku
Italy Tokyo 110-0016
Phone: 39 (02) 2511141 Japan
Fax: 39 (02) 26708079 Phone: 81 (3) 38335631
E-mail: alc@alcint.it E-mail: kokusan@mub.biglobe.ne.jp
Internet: http://www.alcint.it

Sigma
Kendro Laboratory Sigma Laborzentrifugen GmbH [160990]
Postfach 1713
Kendro Laboratory Products [351427] An der Unteren Soese 50
31 Pecks Ln D-37507 Osterode am Harz
Newtown CT 06470-2337 Germany
Phone: (800) 522-7746 Phone: 49 (5522) 50070
Fax: (203) 270-2166 Fax: 49 (5522) 500712
E-mail: info@kendro.com E-mail: info@sigma-zentrifugen.de
Internet: http://www.kendro.com Internet: http://www.sigma-zentrifugen.de

©2003 ECRI. Duplication of this page by any means for any purpose is prohibited. 9
Healthcare Product Comparison System
Thermo IEC
Thermo IEC [392138]
300 Second Ave
Needham Heights MA 02494
Phone: (781) 449-8060, (800) 843-1113
Fax: (781) 444-6743
E-mail: info@iec-centrifuge.com
Internet: http://www.labcentrifuge.com
About the chart specifications
The following terms are used in the chart:
Rotational speed: The maximum values of rotational
speed and centrifugal force available, in units of rpm
and RCF, respectively, along with the number of
speed settings available.
Abbreviations:
ASTM — American Society for Testing and Materials
CE mark — Conformite Europeene mark
CSA — Canadian Standards Association
dB — Decibel
dBA — Decibel (A scale)
GS — Gepruefte Sicherheit
IEC — International Electrotechnical Commission
ISO — International Organization for Standardiza-
tion
LCD — Liquid crystal display
LED — Light-emitting diode
MDD — Medical Devices Directive
10 ©2003 ECRI. Duplication of this page by any means for any purpose is prohibited.
PC — Personal computer
PVC — Polyvinyl chloride
RCF — Relative centrifugal force
rpm — Revolutions per minute
UL — Underwriters Laboratories
Note: The data in the charts derive from suppli-
ers’ specifications and have not been verified through
independent testing by ECRI or any other agency.
Because test methods vary, different products’ specifi-
cations are not always comparable. Moreover, products
and specifications are subject to frequent changes.
ECRI is not responsible for the quality or validity of
the information presented or for any adverse conse-
quences of acting on such information.
When reading the charts, keep in mind that, unless
otherwise noted, the list price does not reflect supplier
discounts. And although we try to indicate which
features and characteristics are standard and which
are not, some may be optional, at additional cost.
For those models whose prices were supplied to us
in currencies other than U.S. dollars, we have also
listed the conversion to U.S. dollars to facilitate com-
parison among models. However, keep in mind that
exchange rates change often.
Need to know more?
For further information about the contents of this
Product Comparison, contact the HPCS Hotline at +1
(610) 825-6000, ext. 5265; +1 (610) 834-1275 (fax); or
hpcs@ecri.org (e-mail).
 Centrifuges, Blood Bank

Product Comparison Chart

MODEL ALC BD BD BECKMAN COULTER

PM980R Clay Adams Clay Adams J6-HC

SERO-FUGE 2001 SERO-FUGE 2002
WHERE MARKETED Worldwide, except Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide
USA

CE MARK (MDD) Yes Not specified Not specified Not specified

ROTATIONAL SPEED
Maximum rpm 4,900 3,500 (60 Hz)/ 3,500/2,800 high, 6,000
2,800 (50 Hz) 2,400 low
Max RCF, g 7,112 974/623 974/623 hi, 458 low 6,835
Settings Variable None High, low Not specified

rpm adjust method Microprocessor None Processor-controlled Manual

@ low speed
ROTOR
Max tubes, 10x75 mm 360 (11 x 65/107) 12 (10x75 or 12x75) 12 (10x75 or 12x75) 222 (12 x 75)
Removable Yes Yes Yes Yes
Construction Aluminum Plastic Plastic Aluminum

OTHER ROTORS AVAIL Yes Yes Yes Yes

Tubes @ sizes/vol 504 @ 8.5 x 35 mm, 6 @ 16 x 100 mm, 6 @ 16 x 100 mm, 148 @ 12 x 75 mm
222 @ 127 x 8 @ Vacutainer with 8 @ Vacutainer with
50/107 mm Hemogard Hemogard

TIMER
Range, min 0-999 0-99, 59 sec 0-99, 59 sec 0-6,000, hold

Settings, increment 1 sec (0-10 min), 1 sec 1 sec 1 min

1 min (10-999 min)

Out-of-time alarm End of run End-of-cycle alarm End-of-cycle alarm End-of-run tone

ACCELERATION
Sec to maximum 9 5-12 5-12 15 sec to 10 min

BRAKING
Sec from maximum 9 30, fully loaded 30, fully loaded Variable

Type Electric Electric Electric Electric

LID INTERLOCK/LATCH Yes Yes Yes Yes

BRUSH/BRUSHLESS Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified

ALERT INDICATORS Lid open, end of End-of-cycle alarm, End-of-cycle alarm, Rotor imbalance,
run, imbalance, brake indicator, brake indicator, overtemp, brush
setting error, countdown timer, countdown timer, wear, overspeed
overtemp tachometer tachometer

POWER REQUIREMENTS,
VAC 230/240 115/230, 50/60 Hz 115, 50/60 Hz 208/220/240

Colons separate data on similar models of a device. This is the first of

two pages covering
the above model(s).
These specifications
continue onto the
next page.

©2003 ECRI. Duplication of this page by any means for any purpose is prohibited. 11
Healthcare Product Comparison System

Product Comparison Chart

MODEL ALC BD BD BECKMAN COULTER

PM980R Clay Adams Clay Adams J6-HC

SERO-FUGE 2001 SERO-FUGE 2002
POWER CONSUMPTION 4,400 VA 66/78 W 66 W 25 A

NOISE LEVEL, dB Not specified ~60 max ~60 max <59

H x W x D, cm (in) 95 x 78 x 92 43.2 x 33 x 30.5 43.2 x 33 x 30.5 127 x 71.1 x 84

(37.4 x 30.7 x 36.2) (17 x 13 x 12) (17 x 13 x 12) (50 x 28 x 33)

WEIGHT, kg (lb) 340 (749.7) 12.7 (28) 12.7 (28) 253.1 (558)

PURCHASE INFORMATION
List price $16,000 $1,672 (115 VAC), $1,767 $23,900
$1,334 (230 VAC)

Warranty 1 year 1 year 1 year 1 year, instrument;

7 years, rotor

Delivery time, ARO 60 days From stock From stock 30-45 days

Year first sold 1994 1995 1995 1976

Fiscal year January to December October to September October to September January to December
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS 99 programs; 1-speed unit; 2-speed unit; 25 A circuit; JE 5.0
multistage program onboard tachometer; onboard tachometer; Elutriator; vacuum
consisting of 9 digital keypad/ digital keypad/ operation at 0.5
programs with up to display. Meets re- display. Meets re- atmosphere;
8 stages and quirements of CSA, quirements of CSA, electronic calibra-
different sets of ISO 9001, and UL. ISO 9001, and UL. tion circuit;
parameters; analog controls.
precooling program; Meets requirements
integral setting of CSA, ISO 9001,
with variable rotor- and UL.
radius setting.

Colons separate data on similar models of a device.

12 ©2003 ECRI. Duplication of this page by any means for any purpose is prohibited.
 Centrifuges, Blood Bank

Product Comparison Chart

MODEL BECKMAN COULTER BECKMAN COULTER CLEMENTS MEDICAL DRUCKER

J6-MC J6-MI Coombs Test 708B : 708E : 708EL *

WHERE MARKETED Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide

CE MARK (MDD) Not specified Not specified Yes Not specified

ROTATIONAL SPEED
Maximum rpm 6,000 6,000 2,800 4,000 max

Max RCF, g 6,835 6,835 700 Not specified

Settings Not specified Not specified Fixed Not specified

rpm adjust method Microprocessor Microprocessor NA Electronic

ROTOR
Max tubes, 10x75 mm 222 (12 x 75) 222 (12 x 75) 12 Not specified
Removable Yes Yes Yes Not specified
Construction Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum, PVC Aluminum

OTHER ROTORS AVAIL Yes Yes No Yes

Tubes @ sizes/vol 148 @ 12 x 75 mm 148 @ 12 x 75 mm NA Horizontal (6, 8,
10, 12, 18 places)

TIMER
Range, min 0-6,000, hold 0-6,000, hold 0-99, 59 sec 0-30

Settings, increment 1 min 1 min 1 sec 1 min

Out-of-time alarm End-of-run tone End-of-run tone End of step End-of-run bell

ACCELERATION
Sec to maximum 15 sec to 10 min 15 sec to 10 min Not specified 15

BRAKING
Sec from maximum Variable Variable 60 15-20

Type Electric Electric Electric Electric

LID INTERLOCK/LATCH Yes Yes Yes No : No : Yes

BRUSH/BRUSHLESS Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified

ALERT INDICATORS Rotor imbalance, Rotor imbalance, None specified Lid-open indicator,
overtemp, brush overtemp, overspeed lid-lock indicator
wear, overspeed

POWER REQUIREMENTS,
VAC 208/220/240 208/220/240 220/240, 50 Hz, 1 A 120

Colons separate data on similar models of a device. This is the first of

* Models listed are currently marketed; specifications current as of April 2002. two pages covering
the above model(s).
These specifications
continue onto the
next page.

©2003 ECRI. Duplication of this page by any means for any purpose is prohibited. 13
Healthcare Product Comparison System

Product Comparison Chart

MODEL BECKMAN COULTER BECKMAN COULTER CLEMENTS MEDICAL DRUCKER

J6-MC J6-MI Coombs Test 708B : 708E : 708EL *

POWER CONSUMPTION 30 A 25 A 300 W 4A

NOISE LEVEL, dB <59 <59 Not specified <40

H x W x D, cm (in) 127 x 71.1 x 84 127 x 71.1 x 84 24.5 x 35 x 37 38.1 x 33 x 33

(50 x 28 x 33) (50 x 28 x 33) (9.6 x 13.8 x 14.6) (15 x 13 x 13)

WEIGHT, kg (lb) 253.1 (558) 253.1 (558) 14 (30.9) 18.1 (40)

PURCHASE INFORMATION
List price $25,900 $28,000 A$1,350 (US$803) $1,895

Warranty 1 year, instrument; 1 year, instrument; 1 year 1 year

7 years, rotor 7 years, rotor

Delivery time, ARO 30-45 days 30-45 days 1 week 2 weeks

Year first sold 1976 1976 Not specified 1983

Fiscal year January to December January to December Not specified September-September

OTHER SPECIFICATIONS 25 A circuit; JE 5.0 25 A circuit; JE 5.0 Autoprocessing Meets requirements
Elutriator; vacuum Elutriator; vacuum timing sequence to of CSA and UL.
operation; operation; prepare washed cells
microprocessor brushless induction for the negative
controlled. Meets drive; micro- Coombs test; enables
requirements of CSA, processor reproduction
ISO 9001, and UL. controlled. Meets between tests and
requirements of CSA, eliminates false
ISO 9001, and UL. readings; stainless
steel bowl.

Colons separate data on similar models of a device.

* Models listed are currently marketed; specifications current as of April 2002.

14 ©2003 ECRI. Duplication of this page by any means for any purpose is prohibited.
 Centrifuges, Blood Bank

Product Comparison Chart

MODEL EPPENDORF EPPENDORF FISHER SCIENTIFIC FISHER SCIENTIFIC

5702 5702R Centrific 225 Centrific 225A

WHERE MARKETED Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide

CE MARK (MDD) Yes Yes Not specified Not specified

ROTATIONAL SPEED
Maximum rpm 4,400 4,400 5,100 * 5,100 *

Max RCF, g 2,800 2,800 3,400 3,400

Settings Variable Variable Continuously Variable
variable

rpm adjust method Digital, micro- Digital, micro- Analog Analog

processor processor
ROTOR
Max tubes, 10x75 mm 20 20 20 20
Removable Yes Yes Yes Yes
Construction Aluminum Aluminum Metal Metal

OTHER ROTORS AVAIL Yes Yes Yes Yes

Tubes @ sizes/vol Fixed angle for Fixed angle for 24 @ 17 x 115 mm 24 @ 17 x 115 mm
15 mL blood and 15 mL blood and
conical tubes, 15 mL conical tubes, 15 mL
swinging bucket swinging bucket
TIMER
Range, min 0-99, hold 0-99, hold or at set 0-30 0-30
rpm
Settings, increment 1 min 1 min 30 sec 1 min

Out-of-time alarm End of run End of run No No

ACCELERATION
Sec to maximum 26 26 13 Not specified

BRAKING
Sec from maximum 19 19 Not specified 45

Type Variable, electric Variable, electric Manual switch Automatic

LID INTERLOCK/LATCH Yes Yes Not specified Yes

BRUSH/BRUSHLESS Brushless Brushless Not specified Not specified

ALERT INDICATORS Imbalance, lid open, Imbalance, lid open, Power on Lid latch active
error codes, rotor error codes, rotor LED, power LED
recognition, run recognition, end of
run

POWER REQUIREMENTS,
VAC 115/220, 50/60 Hz 115/220, 50/60 Hz 115, 60 Hz; 115, 60 Hz;
230, 50 Hz 230, 50 Hz

Colons separate data on similar models of a device. This is the first of

* Dependent on rotor and rotor head. two pages covering
the above model(s).
These specifications
continue onto the
next page.

©2003 ECRI. Duplication of this page by any means for any purpose is prohibited. 15
Healthcare Product Comparison System

Product Comparison Chart

MODEL EPPENDORF EPPENDORF FISHER SCIENTIFIC FISHER SCIENTIFIC

5702 5702R Centrific 225 Centrific 225A

POWER CONSUMPTION 200 W 380 W Not specified Not specified

NOISE LEVEL, dB <60 <60 Not specified Not specified

H x W x D, cm (in) 32 x 40 x 24 26 x 40 x 24 35.6 x 40.6 diam 35.6 x 40.6 x 47

(12.6 x 15.7 x 9.4) (10.2 x 15.7 x 9.4) (14 x 16 diam) (14 x 16 x 18.5)

WEIGHT, kg (lb) 20 (44.1) 36 (79.4) 22.7 (50) 25.4 (56)

PURCHASE INFORMATION
List price $1,795 $4,495 Not specified Not specified

Warranty 2 years 2 years 2 years, parts, 2 years, parts,

labor, and travel labor, and travel

Delivery time, ARO Not specified Not specified 7-10 business days 7-10 business days

Year first sold Not specified Not specified Not specified 2003

Fiscal year Not specified Not specified January to December January to December
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS All parameters can All parameters can Large size enables 120 V. Meets
be locked to avoid be locked to avoid unit to accept a requirements of CSA.
unintentional unintentional variety of clinical
changes; brake can changes; 2 program and industrial
be deactivated for buttons for quick laboratory
sensitive blood recall of para- accessories.
separations; meters; temp range
separate green-lit -9° to 40°C;
standby button; rpm fast-cool function
to g-force display. obtains set temp;
Meets requirements brake can be deacti-
of IEC 1010-02-02 vated for sensitive
safety standards and blood separations;
UL approved. at set rpm function,
begins timer when
nominal speed is
reached; rpm to
g-force display.
Meets requirements
of IEC 1010-02-02
safety standards and
UL approved.

Colons separate data on similar models of a device.

16 ©2003 ECRI. Duplication of this page by any means for any purpose is prohibited.
 Centrifuges, Blood Bank

Product Comparison Chart

MODEL FISHER SCIENTIFIC GFMD HETTICH HETTICH

Centrific 228 Silencer S2100 ROTIXA 50 RS ROTO SILENTA 63 RS

WHERE MARKETED Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide

CE MARK (MDD) Not specified Yes Yes Yes

ROTATIONAL SPEED
Maximum rpm 3,300 4,000 4,900 4,500

Max RCF, g 1,380 2,418 5,500 6,500

Settings Fixed Not specified Variable Variable

rpm adjust method NA Microprocessor Microprocessor, Microprocessor,

digital keypad digital keypad
ROTOR
Max tubes, 10x75 mm 6 12 252, 120 (17x100 mm) 378, 180 (17x100 mm)
Removable Yes Yes Yes Yes
Construction Plastic Metal Metal Metal

OTHER ROTORS AVAIL Yes Yes Yes No

Tubes @ sizes/vol 6 @ 17 x 115 mm 24 x 10 mL or 6 (5 swing-out, 1 1 (swing-out),
18 x 15 mL fixed angle), 468 x 8 x 55 mm/0.8
variable * mL, 6 x 2,000 mL
bottles **
TIMER
Range, min 0-60 0-99, hold 1-999 continuous 1-999 continuous

Settings, increment 1 min 1 min 1 sec 1 sec

Out-of-time alarm No No Yes Yes

ACCELERATION
Sec to maximum 15 10 30 100

BRAKING
Sec from maximum NA 25 34 160

Type NA Dynamic Electric Electric

LID INTERLOCK/LATCH Yes (when lid is Yes Yes Yes

opened, the rotor
will shut off)
BRUSH/BRUSHLESS Not specified Not specified Brushless Brushless
ALERT INDICATORS Not specified Lid open 99 different 99 different
diagnoses diagnoses

POWER REQUIREMENTS,
VAC 115, 60 Hz 115 220-240, 50 Hz 400, 50 Hz, 3-phase

Colons separate data on similar models of a device. This is the first of

* 120 x 13 x 75 mm/1.6-5 mL, 4 x 96 x 176 mm/1,000 mL, microtitration plates, 4 blood-bag systems, 4 x 50 mL or two pages covering
100 mL ASTM tubes, 6 x 25 mL or 50 mL Schlenk tubes. the above model(s).
** Also 12-bag systems, 6 x 58 x 161 mm/100 mL ASTM tubes. These specifications
continue onto the
next page.

©2003 ECRI. Duplication of this page by any means for any purpose is prohibited. 17
Healthcare Product Comparison System

Product Comparison Chart

MODEL FISHER SCIENTIFIC GFMD HETTICH HETTICH

Centrific 228 Silencer S2100 ROTIXA 50 RS ROTO SILENTA 63 RS

POWER CONSUMPTION Not specified 4A 3,000 W 7,000 W

NOISE LEVEL, dB Not specified 62 dBA 56-64 ≤62

H x W x D, cm (in) 22.9 x 30.5 x 33 33.6 x 33 x 39.4 103 x 65 x 72 106 x 77 x 86

(9 x 12 x 13) (13.3 x 13 x 15.5) (40.6 x 25.6 x 28.3) (41.7 x 30.3 x 33.9)

WEIGHT, kg (lb) 5.9 (13) 18.1 (40) 172 (379.3) 264 (582.1)

PURCHASE INFORMATION
List price $595 Not specified Not specified Not specified

Warranty 2 years, parts, 1 year, parts and 1 year 1 year

labor, and travel labor; 2 years,
motor

Delivery time, ARO 7-10 business days 7-10 days Not specified Not specified

Year first sold Not specified 1993 1999 1996

Fiscal year January to December January to December January to December January to December
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS Electrical-interlock See-through lid; Brushless induction Brushless induction
lid for safety. spill-resistant drive; rotor recog- drive; rotor recog-
Meets requirements control panel. nition; microproc- nition; microproc-
of CSA. essor controlled; essor controlled;
pulse button; pulse button;
several run-up and several run-up and
braking choices; braking choices;
time controlled; time controlled;
automatic RCF calc- automatic RCF calc-
ulation; 89 user- ulation; 89 user-
defined programs; defined programs;
precooling system; precooling system;
RCF integrator. RCF integrator.
Meets requirements Meets requirements
of IEC 1010-1. of IEC 1010-1.

Colons separate data on similar models of a device.

18 ©2003 ECRI. Duplication of this page by any means for any purpose is prohibited.
 Centrifuges, Blood Bank

Product Comparison Chart

MODEL HITACHI JOUAN JOUAN KENDRO LABORATORY

CR7 KR 422 * LR 522 * Sorvall RC3BP

WHERE MARKETED Asia, South America Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide

CE MARK (MDD) No Yes Yes Yes

ROTATIONAL SPEED
Maximum rpm 7,000 (R7S rotor) 4,900 4,650 6,000

Max RCF, g 9,420 (R7S rotor) 7,300 7,300 7,277

Settings High/low, continu- Variable Variable Not specified
ously variable
(300-7,000 rpm)
rpm adjust method Digital, switch, Microprocessor Microprocessor Keypad
microprocessor
ROTOR
Max tubes, 10x75 mm See footnote ** 312 300 (12 x 75) 396, H-6000 A
Removable Yes Yes Yes Yes
Construction Aluminum, stainless Aluminum Aluminum Stainless steel
steel body, aluminum
buckets ***
OTHER ROTORS AVAIL Yes Yes Yes 2 fixed angle
Tubes @ sizes/vol Not specified 3-12 blood bags 2 blood bags, 12 Not specified
quads/18 doubles

TIMER
Range, min 1 sec-99 min, 59 sec 0-999, hold 0-999 0-99 min, 59 sec,
hold
Settings, increment 1 sec 1 sec 1 sec 1 sec

Out-of-time alarm Audible, end of run, Audible Audible Stop indicator,

electric bell lights at end of run

ACCELERATION
Sec to maximum 120 Depends on rotor Depends on rotor Not specified

BRAKING
Sec from maximum 120 Depends on rotor Depends on rotor Not specified

Type Electric Electric Electric Electric, dynamic

LID INTERLOCK/LATCH Yes Yes Yes Yes

BRUSH/BRUSHLESS Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified

ALERT INDICATORS Door open/closed, Run end, imbalance Run end, imbalance Rotor imbalance,
imbalance, over- overspeed, door
speed, temp control, open, overtemp/
power supply, motor undertemp, power
rotation, others failure
POWER REQUIREMENTS,
VAC 220/230/240 ±10%, 208, 60 Hz 208, 60 Hz 200/208/220/230/240,
50/60 Hz, 30 A, 50/60 Hz; 16/24 A
single-phase polyphase

Colons separate data on similar models of a device. This is the first of

* Models listed are currently marketed; specifications current as of April 2002. two pages covering
** With R5S2 rotor, 6 tubes @ 98 x 180 mm/1 mL. the above model(s).
*** Also swinging bucket. These specifications
continue onto the
next page.

©2003 ECRI. Duplication of this page by any means for any purpose is prohibited. 19
Healthcare Product Comparison System

Product Comparison Chart

MODEL HITACHI JOUAN JOUAN KENDRO LABORATORY

CR7 KR 422 * LR 522 * Sorvall RC3BP

POWER CONSUMPTION 30 A 4,400 VA 6,030 VA 16, 24 A

NOISE LEVEL, dB 57 dBA 60 62 <58

H x W x D, cm (in) 115 x 73 x 91 95 x 78 x 90 96 x 106 x 80 94 x 77 x 102

(45.3 x 28.7 x 35.8) (37.4 x 30.7 x 35.5) (37.8 x 41.7 x 31.5) (37 x 30.3 x 40)

WEIGHT, kg (lb) 300 (661) 340 (750) 490 (1,080) 307 (678)

PURCHASE INFORMATION
List price Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified

Warranty 1 year 1 year, parts and 1 year, parts and 1 year

labor; 2 years, labor; 2 years,
motor; 5 years, re- motor; 5 years, re-
frigerator compo- frigerator compo-
nents; 8 years, nents; 8 years,
rotor rotor
Delivery time, ARO Not specified Not specified Not specified 30 days

Year first sold Not specified 1989 1987 Not specified

Fiscal year Not specified January to December January to December Not specified
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS Brushless motor Optional fitted None specified. ACE feature; sealed
emits no dust; Jouan electronic covers for biocon-
accepts MAP bags quality control tainment; LCD; 3-
(ACD-A quadruple and data collection position keylock;
bags); programmed system. programmable slow
memory operation; start/stop; optional
timer controls net Watchdog Network
running time; con- Plus software,
venient built-in BarTrace bar-code
functions; variety scanner.
of safety devices
and self-diagnosis
functions. Meets re-
quirements of ISO
9001 and 14001.

Colons separate data on similar models of a device.

* Models listed are currently marketed; specifications current as of April 2002.

20 ©2003 ECRI. Duplication of this page by any means for any purpose is prohibited.
 Centrifuges, Blood Bank

Product Comparison Chart

MODEL KENDRO LABORATORY KENDRO LABORATORY KOKUSAN SIGMA

Sorvall RC3C Plus Sorvall RC12BP H-7000SL * 3-16

WHERE MARKETED Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide

CE MARK (MDD) Yes Yes Not specified Yes

ROTATIONAL SPEED
Maximum rpm 6,000 4,700 7,000 14,500

Max RCF, g 7,277 7,333 8,660 21,475

Settings Not specified Not specified Continuously RCF, rpm, accelera-
variable tion, deceleration

rpm adjust method Buttons Keypad Digital, dial Digital

ROTOR
Max tubes, 10x75 mm 396, H-6,000 A H-12,000 420 80
Removable Yes Yes Yes Yes
Construction Stainless steel Stainless steel Aluminum alloy Steel
body, aluminum body, aluminum
buckets ** buckets
OTHER ROTORS AVAIL 15 No Swing, angle Yes
Tubes @ sizes/vol Not specified Not specified 10, 15, 50, 100, 0.2-250 mL
500 mL

TIMER
Range, min 0-30, hold 0-99 min, 59 sec, 1-99, hold 30, hold
hold
Settings, increment 1 sec 1 sec Variable 1 sec or hold

Out-of-time alarm Buzz at end of run Stop indicator Audible, end-of-run No

lights at end of run tone

ACCELERATION
Sec to maximum Not specified Not specified 2 min 30 sec 20 sec/2 curves

BRAKING
Sec from maximum Not specified Not specified 3 min 28 sec/2 curves

Type Electric, dynamic Electronic, Electric Electronic

regenerative
LID INTERLOCK/LATCH Yes Yes Yes Yes

BRUSH/BRUSHLESS Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified

ALERT INDICATORS Rotor imbalance, Rotor imbalance, Lid open, imbalance, Lid open, start,
door open, overtemp, overspeed, door overspeed, over- stop, imbalance,
brush wear, over- open, overtemp/ temp, rotor recog- errors
speed, entry error undertemp, power nition, overcurrent
failure
POWER REQUIREMENTS,
VAC 200/208/220/230/240, 200/208/220/230/240, 200 *** 100/120/230
50/60 Hz; 30/15 A 50/60 Hz; 230,
polyphase 50 Hz †

Colons separate data on similar models of a device. This is the first of

* Models listed are currently marketed; specifications current as of April 2002. two pages covering
** Also swinging bucket. the above model(s).
*** To be arranged for customer's requirement with step-down transformer. These specifications
†
Also 50/60 A polyphase. continue onto the
next page.

©2003 ECRI. Duplication of this page by any means for any purpose is prohibited. 21
Healthcare Product Comparison System

Product Comparison Chart

MODEL KENDRO LABORATORY KENDRO LABORATORY KOKUSAN SIGMA

Sorvall RC3C Plus Sorvall RC12BP H-7000SL * 3-16

POWER CONSUMPTION 15, 30 A 32, 50, 63 A 10,000 VA 16 A

NOISE LEVEL, dB <58 <65 60 60 @ 5,000 rpm

H x W x D, cm (in) 94 x 81 x 102 89 x 84 x 107 90.4 x 78.5 x 94.4 36.5 x 46 x 60

(37 x 32 x 40) (35 x 33 x 42.1) (35.6 x 30.9 x 37.2) (14.4 x 18.1 x 23.6)

WEIGHT, kg (lb) 308 (679) 517 (1,140) 300 (661.5) 48 (105.8)

PURCHASE INFORMATION
List price Not specified Not specified Y2,550,000 €3,800 (US$4,120)
(US$24,088) without with 1 set of
rotor accessories
Warranty 1 year 1 year 1 year 18 months

Delivery time, ARO 30 days 30 days 60 days 4 weeks

Year first sold Not specified Not specified 1989 2002

Fiscal year Not specified Not specified July to June January to December
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS Automated RCF Plus software for PC Microprocessor High-speed angle
determination; communications; ACE controlled; rotors. Meets
microprocessor con- feature; LCD; 3- refrigeration requirements of
trol; W2DT; slow position keylock; available; brushless GS and ISO 9001.
start/stop; sealed program 3-position motor. Meets
covers for bio- keylock; program- requirements of
containment; mable slow start/ ISO 9001.
programmable; LCD. stop; optional
Watchdog Network,
BarTrace bar-code
scanner.

Colons separate data on similar models of a device.

* Models listed are currently marketed; specifications current as of April 2002.

22 ©2003 ECRI. Duplication of this page by any means for any purpose is prohibited.
 Centrifuges, Blood Bank

Product Comparison Chart

MODEL THERMO IEC

IEC Centra-B Plus

WHERE MARKETED Worldwide

CE MARK (MDD) Not specified

ROTATIONAL SPEED
Maximum rpm 3,350

Max RCF, g 1,000

Settings Not specified

rpm adjust method NA

ROTOR
Max tubes, 10x75 mm 10 (12 x 75)
Removable Yes
Construction Plastic

OTHER ROTORS AVAIL No

Tubes @ sizes/vol NA

TIMER
Range, min 0-3

Settings, increment 5 sec (0-1 min),

10 sec (1-3 min)

Out-of-time alarm None

ACCELERATION
Sec to maximum 8

BRAKING
Sec from maximum 15

Type Electric

LID INTERLOCK/LATCH No (power interrupt)

BRUSH/BRUSHLESS Brushless
ALERT INDICATORS None

POWER REQUIREMENTS,
VAC 120

Colons separate data on similar models of a device. This is the first of

two pages covering
the above model(s).
These specifications
continue onto the
next page.

©2003 ECRI. Duplication of this page by any means for any purpose is prohibited. 23
Healthcare Product Comparison System

Product Comparison Chart

MODEL THERMO IEC

IEC Centra-B Plus

POWER CONSUMPTION Not specified

NOISE LEVEL, dB Not specified

H x W x D, cm (in) 25.4 x 25.4 x 33

(10 x 10 x 13)

WEIGHT, kg (lb) 7.3 (16)

PURCHASE INFORMATION
List price $975, including
rotor

Warranty 1 year

Delivery time, ARO Not specified

Year first sold Not specified

Fiscal year January to December

OTHER SPECIFICATIONS Coast mode stops
rotor in 45 sec to
test weak aggluti-
nation; stainless
steel rotor spring
holds tubes during
decant; brushless
motor; auto reset
timer. Meets
requirements of
ISO 9001.

Colons separate data on similar models of a device.

24 ©2003 ECRI. Duplication of this page by any means for any purpose is prohibited.