Rotor Orientation

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The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Proper Use and Care of the Medical Laboratory Centrifuge. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

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Rotor Orientation

  1. Fixed-angle rotor. The rotor assembly is usually held at a fixed angle of 45 degrees, whether the centrifuge is at rest or in use. Overall, the fixed-angle rotor can reach to higher centrifugal forces than swing-out rotors. Nevertheless, it is still important to check for the completeness of the barrier when centrifuging gel separator tubes.
  2. Swing-out rotor. With this type of rotor, the tube holders rest in the vertical position when the centrifuge is not in use. However, the holders swing out to a horizontal position during rotation. The advantage of this type of rotor is that the barrier formation is more predictable for gel separator tubes.
  3. Vertical rotor. The tube holders are vertically aligned with the body of the rotator both when the centrifuge is at rest or during rotation. This type of rotor is most efficient for density separations and is primarily used in ultracentrifugation.