How to Use a Cytology Cell Smear Centrifuge: Step-by-Step Guide

The cytology cell smear centrifuge is widely used in teaching, scientific research, biochemical products, medical testing, food safety, agricultural product testing, animal husbandry and aquaculture testing, microbiology, molecular chemistry, environmental protection, quality inspection, and many other industries.

Key features of the instrument include:

• Dual door lock system: the door locks automatically once the run starts, ensuring safe operation.

• Automatic balancing and imbalance protection: an alarm signal is triggered and the unit stops automatically in case of error or imbalance.

• Countdown function: counts down in seconds and displays the remaining working time in real time.

• Double-layer steel structure with an anti-corrosion-treated centrifuge chamber that resists corrosive substances.

• Microcomputer control with a large true-color LCD screen and full touch interface; working programs, RCF, speed, run time, and acceleration/deceleration rates can be set directly and are shown on the same LCD screen as the rotor model.

Preparation Before Operation

• Environment check: place the centrifuge on a level surface with all four feet stable to avoid vibration; verify that the power supply voltage matches the rating on the equipment nameplate.

• Preheating (if temperature control is required): set the target temperature to 37°C and proceed only after the display shows that the actual temperature has reached the set point.

• Consumable preparation: select dedicated cytology centrifuge tubes with filter membranes and matching glass slides; choose the membrane pore size according to cell size (for example, 5 μm for blood cells); prepare 95% ethanol or methanol fixative and keep it in an ice box for later use.

Sample Loading and Parameter Setting

• Loading: aspirate the well-mixed sample and inject it slowly along the inner wall of the centrifuge tube to avoid bubbles.

• Symmetrical balancing: place sample tubes of equal volume in pairs in the rotor; the weight difference must not exceed 0.1 g. Never overload the tubes (keep the liquid level at least 1 cm below the tube rim).

Parameter settings:

• Speed: use 800–1000 rpm for blood cells and pleural/peritoneal fluid cells; reduce to 600 rpm for fine-needle aspiration specimens to prevent cell rupture.

• Time: 5–8 minutes under normal conditions; low-concentration samples can be extended to 10 minutes.

• Brake mode: select the "soft brake" program (deceleration time longer than 3 minutes) to prevent cells from resuspending.

Centrifugation and Monitoring

• Start-up: close the chamber door and start the program, then observe whether the speed ramp-up curve is normal.

• Abnormality handling: if severe vibration or abnormal noise occurs, press the emergency stop button immediately and investigate the cause (commonly failed balancing or a loose rotor).

• End-of-run judgment: open the lid and remove the slides only after the speed has returned to zero and the buzzer has sounded.

Slide Preparation and Post-Processing

• Removing the smear: hold the edge of the glass slide and lift it vertically so that the cells on the filter membrane transfer evenly onto the slide.

• Immediate fixation: immerse the wet slide in the pre-chilled fixative at once and let it stand for 15 minutes to enhance cell adhesion.

• Staining preparation: after fixation, dehydrate through graded alcohols; the slide can then be stained directly with H&E or Wright stain.