Which centrifuge models are recommended for clinical chemistry testing?

According to the Hettich 2024 catalog, the following models are recommended for clinical chemistry testing and high-throughput applications:

Clinical Chemistry

Rotina 380 / 380 R
Compact benchtop centrifuge but with high speed (up to 15,000 rpm, 24,400 ×g).
Maximum capacity of 4 × 290 mL, supports a wide range of rotors (blood tubes, conical tubes, microplates).
Applications: hospitals, hematology labs, small blood centers, clinical chemistry testing.

Universal 320 / 320 R
Multipurpose centrifuge, available with a dedicated blood tube package.
Suitable for hospitals, clinical chemistry and hematology labs that require a routine centrifugation solution for a wide variety of sample types.

Rotina 420 / 420 R
Higher capacity (4 × 600 mL), 15,000 rpm, available with refrigeration.
Ideal for clinical chemistry laboratories handling medium to large sample volumes.

High Throughput Testing

Rotanta 460 / 460 R
High-capacity benchtop centrifuge, accommodating up to 4 × 1,000 mL or hundreds of blood tubes per run.
Capable of spinning blood bags and microplates, meeting the needs of high-throughput laboratories.

Introduction to Hettich centrifuge models used in clinical chemistry testing

Rotina 380 R/380 (Compact multipurpose benchtop centrifuge)

The Rotina 380/380 R is a multipurpose, space-saving benchtop centrifuge. With a width of only ~46 cm, it fits even narrow lab benches. Despite its compact size, the Rotina 380 delivers impressive performance: per run, it can spin up to 76 blood tubes, 36 × 15 mL conical tubes, 32 × 10 mL urine tubes, or even 12 microplates—performance far beyond its footprint. The centrifuge reaches a maximum speed of 15,000 rpm with ~24,000 ×g, making it powerful enough for high-speed applications in research and clinical labs. The Rotina 380 R (refrigerated version) cools rapidly down to -20°C, protecting sensitive samples. This series integrates the versatile Versa-Rotor, allowing multiple tube types and configurations with a single rotor—saving both time and cost. Other features include: smooth, quiet operation; user-friendly control panel for easy parameter setup (time, speed, RCF, braking); and a quick-spin button for short centrifugation. Optional bio-seal lids for fixed-angle rotors ensure biosafety when handling hazardous samples. With its performance, flexibility, and reliability, the Rotina 380/380 R is considered the “all-round centrifuge” for most clinical, research, and industrial laboratories needing a compact yet powerful multipurpose instrument.

Universal 320 R/320 (Truly universal benchtop centrifuge)

As its name suggests, the Universal 320/320 R is Hettich’s most comprehensive multipurpose benchtop centrifuge. With a compact design (width ~39.5 cm), it accommodates nearly all routine centrifugation tasks in the lab. The Universal 320 has a maximum capacity of 4 × 200 mL (or 6 × 94 mL with a fixed-angle rotor), enabling the use of standard tubes, conical tubes, urine tubes, microplates (up to 10 at once), and cytology clips for slide preparation. Operating across a wide speed range (500–16,000 rpm) with a maximum RCF of ~21,382 ×g, it is strong enough for both cell and DNA separation. A standout feature is its ability to serve as a cytospin: with a 12-position slide rotor, it can centrifuge cytology slides (0.2–6 mL) under biosafety conditions, eliminating the need for a separate cytospin machine. The Universal 320 R integrates refrigeration (down to -20°C), supporting temperature-sensitive applications. Like other Hettich models, it offers low noise, convenient lid opening, secure safety lock, and a 5-year warranty. With its outstanding performance and broad accessory range, the Universal 320/320 R truly delivers an “all-in-one” solution—meeting all routine centrifugation needs in clinical labs, universities, research institutes, or multidisciplinary laboratories.

Rotina 420 R/420 (Large-capacity yet compact benchtop centrifuge)

The Rotina 420/420 R is designed as a large-capacity benchtop centrifuge with a compact footprint. With a maximum capacity of 4 × 600 mL (2.4 liters) or 104 standard blood tubes, it enables high-throughput sample processing while fitting comfortably on lab benches. The centrifuge can also spin 52 × 15 mL conical tubes or 16 microplates at once—ideal for clinical chemistry, biotechnology, and life science research. The refrigerated version (Rotina 420 R) supports a temperature range of -20°C to +40°C for temperature-sensitive samples. Sharing Hettich’s common advantages, the Rotina 420 offers quiet operation, easy lid handling, secure safety locking, and a robust metal housing. Its Versa-Rotor design allows one rotor to accommodate different tube and bottle types, reducing accessory costs. Integrated Versa-Lock carriers enable safe transport and secure bio-containment when required. With its proven performance, versatility, and durability, the Rotina 420/420 R is an excellent choice for labs needing a large-capacity benchtop centrifuge that is both powerful and space-efficient.

Introduction to Hettich centrifuge models used in high-throughput testing

Rotanta 460 R/460 (High-performance multipurpose benchtop centrifuge)

The Rotanta 460/460 R is a high-performance benchtop centrifuge, available in refrigerated (460 R) and non-refrigerated versions, covering almost every centrifugation application in the laboratory. With a maximum load of 4,000 mL per run (4 × 1,000 mL), it can process large sample volumes while still providing high speed and RCF. The Rotanta 460 stands out for its versatility: it accommodates nearly all tube and plate formats—from up to 196 blood tubes in one run, to 15 mL and 50 mL conical tubes, microplates, and even 450 mL blood bags (up to 4 bags) with the appropriate rotors and accessories. The refrigerated version (Rotanta 460 R) offers a temperature range of -20°C to +40°C for temperature-sensitive samples such as enzymes or plasma. The centrifuge also supports high-speed rotors for microplates, reaching a maximum RCF of ~6,446 ×g for efficient particle separation. User-friendly features include: smooth lid opening, intuitive front control panel, automatic lid locking, and a durable all-metal housing. With low noise, a 5-year warranty, and full safety certifications, the Rotanta 460/460 R is the all-in-one solution for multidisciplinary laboratories—covering clinical chemistry, molecular biology, and industrial applications that require a high-capacity, reliable benchtop centrifuge.

Conclusion

For routine clinical chemistry → Rotina 380/380 R, Rotina 420/420 R, Universal 320/320 R.

For labs processing very large sample volumes, requiring a benchtop design with limited space but demanding high capacity and sample flexibility (tubes, bottles, plates) → Rotanta 460/460 R is the ideal choice.