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Periodic maintenance of the refrigerated centrifuge is essential to ensure that the centrifuge is in optimum condition.

 

 Daily Maintenance:

  • For a refrigerated centrifuge that is turned off at the end of the day, open the top to allow the centrifuge chamber to dry (Figure 1).
  • During the day, when the unit is under refrigeration, leave the top closed to avoid condensation and ice buildup.
  • The centrifuge must not be used if the interior is hot, if unusual vibrations or noises occur, or if deterioration (corrosion of parts) is detected.  A qualified service technician should be contacted.

Figure 1: Refrigerated Centrifuge with Open Top to allow the centrifuge chamber to dry

 

 

Weekly Maintenance:  

  • Autoclave metal parts OR soak them in a disinfectant (not bleach or alcohol) for 15 minutes, rinse with sterile water and air dry.
  • Soak lids in freshly prepared 1% bleach for 5 minutes and rinse with 70% alcohol or sterile water.
  • Checking the rotors and rotor bores visually for residue and corrosion (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Lids and Rotor Bores

 

Monthly Maintenance:  

  • Clean the centrifuge housing, rotor chamber, rotors and rotor accessories with a neutral cleaning agent, e.g., mild soap.
  • Lubricate rotor threads with lubricant.
  • Lubricate O-rings with lubricant supplied by the manufacturer.
  • Clean plastic and non-metal parts with a fresh solution of 1% sodium hypochlorite (bleach), followed rinsing with sterile water.

 

Note: Each laboratory should maintain centrifuge usage record in a log book (Figure 3).

 

Figure 3: Centrifuge Usage Log Book

 

 

Annual Maintenance:

Full service should be provided by a qualified service technician, which may include the servicing of the following: 

  • Centrifuge brushes
  • Timer
  • Electrical components
  • Leaks
  • Speed

 

Good practices for centrifuge usage:

  • Always carefully read the operating manual before the initial operation of the centrifuge.
  • Run the centrifuge with samples that are symmetrically loaded in the aerosol tightened buckets and open the buckets in the Bio Safety Cabinet (BSC) after centrifugation is done.
  • Routinely check the silicon O-ring for any wear & tear of the aerosol lid.
  • Always use centrifuge tubes that will withstand the required centrifugation speed. 
  • Perform maintenance activity as required.

 

Practices to be avoided when using the centrifuge are:

  • Moving or knocking during operation
  • Running the unit when there is heavy noise from the machine
  • Running with unbalanced sample load
  • Running if there is any wear & tear with the O-ring of the aerosol lid
  • Adding water to a specimen to balance tubes
  • Stopping the running cycle 

 

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