The Becton Dickinson Sero-Fuge 2001 Centrifuge is a compact, single speed (3100-3500 rpm) table-top centrifuge specifically designed to handle clinical samples. It has a number of nice features, including a lid safety latch which prevents the centrifuge from spinning while the lid is open, puts the lid in lock mode when closed, and prevents the lid from opening until the centrifuge comes to a full stop. The centrifuge is conveniently shipped fully assembled with a 12-place rotor already inside the unit. The 12-place rotor can accommodate Sero-Tubes (75 mm x 10 mm), Kahn Tubes (75 mm x 12 mm), and 75 mm x 13mm tubes. Becton-Dickinson also offers 8 and 6-place rotors that accommodate different types of tubes. In addition to the tubes mentioned above, the 8-place rotor can accommodate Vacutainer Blood Collection Tubes, 64 mm x 10.25 mm tubes, 82 mm x 10.25 mm tubes, 100 mm x 13 mm tubes, and 103 mm x 10.25 mm tubes. The 6-place rotor can accommodate 100 mm x 13 mm and 103 mm x 10 mm tubes.
The Sero-Fuge is relatively easy to operate because the controls and indicators are conveniently located in the keypad display on the front panel of the machine. Pressing the keys results in a positive “keyclick” sound. The display shows the i) cycle time, which is the time for the motor to ramp up to speed and ii) the digital tachometer readout in revolutions per minute (RPM). The display can cycle between the two readouts by pressing the tachometer readout key. The numeric keypad is used to enter the desired cycle time that can be set up to 99 minutes and 99 seconds. There is also an alarm key (that can be turned on or off) that alerts the user when the spin is done. At the end of the spin, the centrifuge has an effective brake in decelerating the spin in a very short period of time. However, this brake can be enabled/disabled easily via a key in the keypad display. If the user wants to stop the spin before the cycle time is finished, he or she can just press stop spin cycle key. Conveniently, there is a repeat key that allows the user to set the cycle time to match the previous run without having to enter the numerical time value again.
Maintainence of this unit requires the user to periodically check the speed to make sure it is within the limits of the machine. This can be checked with any accurate photoelectric tachometer by loading any one of the rotors to capacity. The machine speed can then be compared with the specified limits stated in the manual. Becton Dickinson recommends that the unit be checked at least twice a year. If readings outside the limit are obtained than the AC supply should be checked.
As stated above, the Becton Dickinson Sero-Fuge 2001 Centrifuge is a compact, light centrifuge that can be used for everyday applications. It is relatively easy to operate and generates very little noise and fits in any area of the laboratory. It also contains convenient features like alarm, an effective, dynamic brake that can be turned on or off, and repeat key to reuse the same cycle time without having to enter the cycle time again. It is also very easy to put in the different types of rotors to accommodate different types of tubes. This unit is frequently used in our laboratory.
Hee Chul Lee
Graduate Student
Dept. of Biochemistry
NYU School of Medicine