undercentrifugation

Undercentrifugation refers to the process of centrifuging a sample at a speed or for a duration that is insufficient to achieve the desired separation. Centrifugation is a technique that uses centrifugal force to separate components of a mixture based on their density, size, or shape. When undercentrifugation occurs, the separation is incomplete, meaning that the distinct layers or pellets of separated components do not form properly.

This can lead to several problems in laboratory settings. For instance, in molecular biology, if a cell lysate is undercentrifuged, cellular debris may remain suspended in the supernatant, contaminating the desired soluble proteins or nucleic acids. In clinical diagnostics, undercentrifugation of blood can result in an improperly separated plasma or serum layer, potentially affecting the accuracy of subsequent tests.

Common causes of undercentrifugation include using too low a centrifuge speed (RPM or RCF), operating the centrifuge for too short a time, or issues with the centrifuge calibration or maintenance. Recognizing and avoiding undercentrifugation is crucial for obtaining reliable and accurate results in various scientific and medical applications. Proper protocol adherence, including selecting the correct settings and ensuring the centrifuge is functioning optimally, is essential to prevent this issue.