A cytology centrifuge (also known as cytocentrifuge) is a specialized equipment. It is used to concentrate cells in fluid specimens onto the microscope slide so it can be stained and examined. A cytology centrifuge is often used in hematology, microbiology, and cytopathology.
The method is also used on various types of specimens including cerebrospinal fluid, urine, synovial fluid, and fine needle aspirates. Other applications of the cytocentrifuge include:
- Gram staining of fluid specimens (this is for the identification of microorganisms)
- Cytopathology examination of liquid specimens (this includes fine needle aspirates and body fluids)
- Differential counts on body fluids (cerebrospinal, synovial, and serous fluids)
A cytocentrifuge is also used in concentrating scanty neoplastic cells, ascites, urine, normal and abnormal cells (like those found in cerebrospinal fluid), and other cell suspensions for cytological evaluation.
In a 1966 paper, the first centrifuge was described as “an apparatus for concentrating cells in suspension onto a microscope slide.” In the 1970s, the device was first sold commercially. The cytocentrifuge was first patented in 1983 and by 2012, numerous brands are already available in the market.
One of the best cytology centrifuges in the market today is the Universal 320. Considered the universal choice when it comes to cytology centrifuges, it is very versatile and compact. It also has a high sample throughput centrifuge with its 12-place rotor and its vast array of accessories.
The accessories for the Universal 320 centrifuge are designed to help improve its performance so it can carry out any tasks related to centrifugation such as blood tubes, plates, microliter, cytology, and cell culture. Some of the remarkable features of the Universal 320 include:
- Max Capacity: 4 x 200 ml or 6 x 94 ml
- Max RCF: 24,900
- Weight: Approximately 31 kg / 52 kg
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 401 x 529 x 346 mm / 407 x 698 x 346 mm