Centrifugation
Pronunciation: sen-TRIF-yoo-GAY-shun
A mechanical separation technique in which a sample is spun at high speed to separate components by density.
Full Definition
Centrifugation is a fundamental sample preparation technique used across clinical chemistry, haematology, and microbiology to separate blood components (plasma, serum, buffy coat, red cells), pellet cells or bacteria, and clarify specimens. Speed is expressed in revolutions per minute (rpm) or relative centrifugal force (RCF, also called g-force). Editors reviewing laboratory protocols must verify that centrifugation conditions are reported in RCF (×g) rather than rpm, as rpm values vary with rotor radius. The noun is 'centrifugation'; the verb is 'to centrifuge.' 'Centrifugate' is not a standard English verb and should be corrected.
Usage
Usage note: Report centrifuge speed in RCF (×g) in formal documents. Avoid 'centrifugate' as a verb; use 'centrifuge' (verb) instead. Distinguish from 'ultracentrifugation,' which uses much higher g-forces for subcellular separation.
In Context
- "Whole blood was subjected to centrifugation at 2,000 ×g for 10 minutes at room temperature to obtain platelet-poor plasma." — Clinical chemistry specimen processing protocol
- "The SOP specifies centrifugation speed in RCF (×g), not rpm, to ensure reproducibility across different laboratory centrifuges." — Laboratory standard operating procedure