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From mini centrifuge to superspeed floor model: Poly Temp Scientific supplies, installs and services laboratory centrifuges from Thermo Scientific for laboratories across the Netherlands. We also provide maintenance and service for centrifuges of all other brands.
A laboratory centrifuge is one of the most widely used instruments in any laboratory. By spinning samples at high speed, components are separated based on their density. Denser particles migrate to the outer wall of the tube, while lighter components remain at the top. This may sound straightforward, but in practice, choosing the right centrifuge requires careful consideration of your sample type, your protocol and your daily workload.
The key differences between centrifuge types come down to three parameters: maximum g-force (expressed as RCF, Relative Centrifugal Force), the volume that can be processed per run, and the available rotor types. A mini centrifuge for Eppendorf tubes has fundamentally different characteristics from a high-capacity benchtop centrifuge processing four litres of blood tubes, or a superspeed centrifuge operating at 100,000 x g. The choice always starts with your sample type and your protocol.
RPM or RCF? Always use RCF (x g) in your protocols, not RPM. RPM is rotor-dependent and is not comparable between different centrifuges or rotors. RCF accounts for the rotor radius and expresses the actual force applied to your sample. All Thermo Scientific centrifuges automatically convert between RPM and RCF based on the selected rotor.
Poly Temp Scientific advises you on the right centrifuge type for your application, handles delivery and installation, and provides maintenance for Thermo Scientific centrifuges as well as centrifuges from all other brands, including Eppendorf, Beckman Coulter, Hettich and Sigma.
From an ultracompact mini centrifuge for quick spin-downs to a superspeed floor model for protein purification and large-scale bioprocessing. Thermo Scientific offers a complete portfolio.
Ultracompact mini centrifuge for quick spin-down applications. Compatible with Eppendorf tubes (1.5 and 2.0 ml) and PCR strips. Ideal for spinning down liquids from tube caps and combining reagents before starting a protocol. Available in 6- and 12-position variants.
Benchtop microcentrifuge for small volumes (1.5 and 2.0 ml tubes, capillaries). The MicroCL 17R and 21R models feature refrigeration for temperature-sensitive samples such as proteins and enzymes. Space-saving compact footprint for everyday molecular biology work.
Compact clinical benchtop centrifuge for routine diagnostic applications. Compatible with vacutainers (blood collection tubes), urine sediment and other clinical specimens. Simple operation for high sample throughput in medical laboratories and GP surgeries.
The C Series, X Series and S Series are versatile high-capacity benchtop centrifuges with up to 4 litres capacity per run. Available with and without refrigeration, as benchtop and floor-standing models. Available as a CE-IVD certified IVD-MD variant for use in medical diagnostics.
High-capacity benchtop centrifuge for research laboratories with demanding workloads. With up to 4 litres per run, a broad range of rotors and adapters, and optional refrigeration, the Multifuge X Pro is the standard for cell biology, molecular biology and pharmaceutical research.
Robust high-capacity centrifuge for routine use in diagnostic and clinical laboratories. Available as a benchtop and floor-standing model, with and without refrigeration. Interchangeable rotors and a wide range of adapters compatible with virtually all tube formats and blood collection tubes.
The LYNX 4000 and 6000 are superspeed floor-standing centrifuges built for the most demanding applications in research and biotechnology. With g-forces up to 100,605 x g and capacities up to 6 litres, they are suited for bacterial pelleting, protein purification, virus isolation and cell fractionation.
The Cryofuge 8 and 16 are refrigerated centrifuges specifically designed for processing blood bags in blood banks and transfusion services. CE-IVD certified under IVDR 2017/746. Accommodates 6 to 16 blood bags per run with controlled refrigeration for optimal blood component quality.
Robust floor-standing centrifuge for scale-up in biotechnological production and bioprocessing. With a capacity of 16 litres and g-forces up to 12,000 x g, the BIOS is well suited for large-scale cell harvesting, fermentation broth processing and upstream bioprocessing workflows.
Centrifugation relies on centrifugal force: by spinning samples rapidly, particles of different densities are driven apart. Denser particles migrate outward and sediment at the bottom or wall of the tube. Four variables determine the outcome of any centrifugation step: the g-force (RCF), the centrifugation time, the temperature and the rotor type.
The g-force, expressed as a multiple of gravitational acceleration (x g), determines how quickly and completely separation occurs. Routine blood separation and urine sediment require approximately 300 to 3,000 x g. Cell biology and molecular biology typically require 5,000 to 30,000 x g. Purification of proteins, viruses and subcellular organelles calls for superspeed centrifugation above 30,000 x g.
Temperature control is critical for sensitive samples. Proteins, enzymes, living cells and RNA degrade when exposed to elevated temperatures during centrifugation. A refrigerated centrifuge (R-model) maintains the rotor chamber at a constant temperature, typically adjustable from -10°C to +40°C. For cell biology research and biochemistry, refrigeration is the standard choice.
RPM (revolutions per minute) is rotor-dependent and cannot be compared between centrifuges or rotors. RCF (x g) is the only unit that expresses the actual force applied to your sample, regardless of the rotor type or centrifuge brand. Protocols written in RPM are not reproducible on other equipment. All Thermo Scientific centrifuges automatically calculate the relationship between RPM and RCF based on the active rotor.
An aged or damaged rotor is a serious safety hazard. Metal fatigue can cause rotor failure at high speeds with potentially dangerous consequences. Thermo Scientific centrifuges are equipped with automatic rotor recognition that monitors the maximum speed for each rotor. Periodic rotor inspection by a certified engineer is a mandatory part of any responsible maintenance programme.
An unbalanced centrifuge causes vibration, rotor wobble and in severe cases rotor failure. Always load symmetrically: use opposing positions, ensure equal weights and use adapters when combining different tube formats. Modern Thermo Scientific centrifuges detect imbalance automatically and stop the run if safety limits are exceeded.
Centrifuges used for the in vitro diagnostic examination of patient specimens must carry CE-IVD certification under the European IVD Regulation (IVDR 2017/746). The Cryofuge 8 and 16 are specifically certified for blood bank and transfusion applications. The C Series, X Series and S Series are available as certified IVD-MD variants. Always verify the model variant before purchasing for diagnostic use.
Rotor type has a major impact on the quality of your separation and the suitability for your application. Understanding the difference helps you avoid poor results and damage to sensitive samples.
Not sure which rotor type best suits your protocol? Our specialists will advise you on the optimal rotor and centrifuge combination for your specific application.
Ask for rotor adviceAn overview of all nine centrifuge types across the most critical selection criteria, so you can quickly identify the right direction.
| Criterion | mySPIN | MicroCL | Medifuge | C/X/S Series | Multifuge X Pro | Megafuge Plus | LYNX | Cryofuge | BIOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max. RCF | 9,800 x g | 21,100 x g | 3,114 x g | 30,279 x g | 30,279 x g | 25,830 x g | 100,605 x g | 7,295 x g | 12,000 x g |
| Max. volume per run | 12 x 2 ml | 24 x 2 ml | 135 ml | 4 L | 4 L | 4 L | 6 L | 16 blood bags | 16 L |
| Refrigeration available | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | |||||
| CE-IVD variant available | Optional | Optional | |||||||
| Format | Benchtop | Benchtop | Benchtop | Benchtop/Floor | Benchtop/Floor | Benchtop/Floor | Floor | Benchtop | Floor |
| Typical application | Quick-spin, PCR | Molecular biology | Clinical routine | Diagnostics, IVD | Research, pharma | Routine diagnostics | Protein purification | Blood bank | Bioprocessing |
Not sure which centrifuge suits your specific application? Our specialists will advise you based on your sample type, protocol and workload.
Request personalised advicePoly Temp Scientific serves diverse sectors with specific centrifugation requirements. Recognise your situation and discover the most appropriate centrifuge types for your work.
Clinical laboratories process large volumes of blood samples, urine sediment, serum tubes and other biological specimens every day. Reliability, high throughput and, where applicable, CE-IVD certification are the key criteria when selecting a centrifuge.
Protein purification, cell separation in upstream bioprocessing, quality control of biological products and vaccine preparation require centrifuges with high g-forces, excellent refrigeration performance and a broad range of rotors and accessories.
Molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology and biochemical research require a broad range of centrifuge types: from the MicroCL for everyday DNA/RNA work to the LYNX for the most demanding separation applications in research.
Blood banks and transfusion services process blood donations and prepare blood components for transfusion. Controlled refrigeration, CE-IVD certification and high throughput capacity are absolute requirements for the centrifuges used in these environments.
Microbiological analyses, food product quality control and shelf-life testing require reliable centrifugation for the separation of food components and isolation of microorganisms from food samples.
Plant cell biology, extraction of plant components, soil analyses and molecular plant pathology all require reliable centrifugation for separation of plant-derived materials, extracts and nucleic acids.
Answer these six questions before purchasing a centrifuge. Together they determine which centrifuge type, rotor type and configuration best suits your laboratory situation.
Determine this from your protocol, expressed in RCF (x g), not RPM. Blood separation and urine sediment: 300 to 3,000 x g. Cell biology: 5,000 to 20,000 x g. Protein purification and virus isolation: up to 100,000+ x g. Maximum g-force is the absolute threshold that determines whether a centrifuge is suitable for your application.
Mini centrifuges handle 12 x 2 ml. High-capacity benchtop centrifuges up to 4 litres. The BIOS floor centrifuge up to 16 litres. Determine your daily throughput and establish how many runs per day are acceptable. Do not underestimate your capacity needs: insufficient capacity leads to unnecessary loss of valuable working time.
Proteins, enzymes, RNA and living cells degrade when exposed to elevated temperatures during centrifugation. Always choose a refrigerated centrifuge (R-model) if your samples are temperature-sensitive. Non-refrigerated centrifuges are less expensive but limited in their applications. When in doubt, refrigeration is always the safer choice for sample integrity.
Fixed-angle rotor: fast, high g-forces, pellet along the tube wall. Suited for pelleting and differential centrifugation. Swinging bucket rotor: pellet at the tube bottom, gentle separation, easy to assess visually. Suited for clinical analyses and density gradient separations. Many Thermo Scientific centrifuges accept both rotor types.
Are the results used for patient diagnostics? If so, a CE-IVD certified model is legally required under the European IVD Regulation (IVDR 2017/746). The Cryofuge, C Series, X Series and S Series are available as certified IVD-MD variants. Always verify this before purchasing: ordering the wrong variant leads to compliance issues that are difficult to resolve after delivery.
Benchtop models are compact and suitable for most laboratories. Floor-standing models (LYNX, BIOS and the larger Megafuge and Multifuge variants) offer greater capacity but require more floor space. Also consider noise levels and energy consumption with intensive use, and discuss placement with your facilities team in advance.
Laboratory centrifuges are subject to multiple national and European standards and regulatory frameworks. Understanding the relevant requirements helps you select the right equipment and demonstrate compliance during audits and inspections. Poly Temp advises you proactively on which standards apply to your situation.
Centrifuges used for the in vitro diagnostic examination of patient specimens fall under the European IVD Regulation and must carry CE-IVD certification. The Cryofuge 8 and 16 are specifically certified for blood bank applications. The C Series, X Series and S Series are available as certified IVD-MD variants. Always verify the model variant before purchasing: using an uncertified model for diagnostic purposes is a regulatory violation.
IEC 61010-2-020 is the international safety standard specifically for centrifuges and centrifuge rotors. It sets requirements for mechanical safety, rotor protection, imbalance detection and emergency stop functions. All Thermo Scientific centrifuges are certified to this standard and feature automatic rotor recognition and imbalance protection.
NEN 3140 is the Dutch standard that requires periodic electrical safety inspection of electrical equipment in the workplace, including laboratory centrifuges. The inspection covers insulation resistance, earthing connections and overall electrical safety. Poly Temp carries out NEN 3140 inspections as part of the preventive maintenance contract.
Manufacturers define a maximum service life (in hours or number of runs) for centrifuge rotors. Exceeding the rotor lifespan is a direct safety hazard: metal fatigue can cause rotor failure at high speeds. Poly Temp records rotor service hours and advises on timely replacement as part of the preventive maintenance programme.
Poly Temp Scientific handles the complete maintenance and periodic inspection of your centrifuges in accordance with applicable standards, for Thermo Scientific and all other brands.
Poly Temp Scientific not only supplies and installs Thermo Scientific centrifuges, but also provides maintenance and service for centrifuges from all other brands: Eppendorf, Beckman Coulter, Hettich, Sigma and more. Our certified service engineers ensure optimal performance, safety and a long service life for your entire centrifuge fleet.
Independent advice on centrifuge type, rotor selection, brand and configuration based on your sample type, protocol and throughput requirements
Professional placement and commissioning including rotor installation, initial test run and instruction on operation and settings
Installation qualification and operational qualification for pharmaceutical, diagnostic and GMP environments where full documentation is required
NEN 3140 inspection, RPM calibration, rotor inspection, temperature check and cleaning for Thermo Scientific and all other centrifuge brands
Recording of rotor service hours, timely notification of approaching maximum lifespan and safe replacement of end-of-life rotors
Rapid response to centrifuge failures to minimise disruption to your laboratory operations, covering all brands and models
Poly Temp Scientific is the official Thermo Scientific dealer for the complete centrifuge portfolio in the Netherlands.
Thermo Scientific offers one of the most comprehensive centrifuge portfolios in the world: from the compact mySPIN mini centrifuge for quick spin-down applications, through the versatile Multifuge X Pro and Megafuge Plus for high-capacity routine work, to the Cryofuge (CE-IVD) for blood bank applications and the LYNX superspeed centrifuge for the most demanding research applications. All models are equipped with automatic rotor recognition, imbalance detection and intuitive controls. In addition to Thermo Scientific, Poly Temp also provides maintenance for centrifuges from all other brands.
Answers to the most common questions about selecting, using, maintaining and complying with standards for laboratory centrifuges.
RPM (revolutions per minute) describes the rotational speed of the rotor but does not account for rotor radius. RCF (Relative Centrifugal Force, expressed as x g) is the actual force applied to your sample and is the only unit that is comparable between different centrifuges and rotors. Always use RCF in your protocols to achieve reproducible results across different instruments.
A fixed-angle rotor is suited for pelleting, differential centrifugation and molecular biology applications where speed and high g-forces take priority. A swinging bucket rotor is the better choice for clinical analyses (urine sediment, blood separation), density gradient centrifugation and applications where the pellet needs to be visually assessed or carefully aspirated.
Choose a refrigerated centrifuge (R-model) whenever your samples are temperature-sensitive: proteins, enzymes, RNA, living cells and other biological materials that degrade when exposed to heat. Non-refrigerated centrifuges are more affordable but have limited applications. When in doubt, a refrigerated model is always the safer choice for maintaining sample integrity.
CE-IVD certification is required under the European IVD Regulation (IVDR 2017/746) for centrifuges used in the in vitro diagnostic examination of patient specimens. The Cryofuge and the C/X/S Series are available as certified IVD-MD variants. Always verify the correct variant has been ordered before purchase: using an uncertified model for diagnostic purposes is a regulatory violation.
Annual preventive maintenance is the standard for centrifuges under normal laboratory use. This includes an NEN 3140 electrical safety inspection, RPM calibration, rotor inspection and cleaning. In high-intensity use or in GMP and diagnostic environments, half-yearly servicing may be required. Poly Temp provides maintenance for all centrifuge brands.
A rotor inspection includes a visual check for hairline cracks, corrosion, pitting and wear to rotor positions and closures. The rotor service life is recorded and compared against the manufacturer's maximum usage limit. A damaged or end-of-life rotor is taken out of service immediately. Continuing to use a condemned rotor is a serious safety hazard.
Yes. Poly Temp Scientific provides maintenance and service for centrifuges from all brands, including Eppendorf, Beckman Coulter, Hettich and Sigma. The maintenance contract covers visual and functional inspection, NEN 3140 safety inspection, RPM calibration, rotor inspection with lifespan recording and cleaning. Contact us for a tailored maintenance contract.
The Multifuge X Pro is primarily aimed at research laboratories, offering a broad range of rotors and high flexibility for complex protocols. The Megafuge Plus is optimised for high-volume routine use in diagnostic and clinical laboratories, with a focus on ease of operation, high throughput and broad compatibility with blood collection tubes and vacutainers.
The LYNX is the right choice when your protocol requires g-forces above 30,000 x g: protein purification, pelleting of bacteria and viruses, cell fractionation and isolation of subcellular organelles. The LYNX is a floor-standing model with full refrigeration, available in 4,000 and 6,000 rpm configurations with capacities of 4 to 6 litres per run.
Rotor lifespan is defined by the manufacturer in maximum runs or service hours, and varies by rotor type and brand. Signs that replacement is necessary include visible corrosion, pitting, hairline cracks in the material or reaching the maximum service life. Poly Temp records rotor service hours at every maintenance visit and advises you in good time on replacement.
From mini centrifuge to superspeed floor model: our specialists will advise you on the centrifuge type that matches your g-force requirements, sample volume, rotor type and compliance needs. We supply, install and maintain.
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