Recommended centrifuge models for blood testing and molecular biology

According to the 2024 Hettich catalog, the following centrifuge lines are recommended for blood testing and molecular diagnostics applications:

Blood testing (Clinical / Hematology)

Several representative models are designed for hospitals, clinical laboratories, and hematology centers:

• Rotina 380 / 380 R – compact benchtop centrifuges with high performance, capable of processing various sample types (blood tubes, conical tubes, microplates). Suitable for hospitals, hematology laboratories, and small blood centers.
• Universal 320 / 320 R – versatile centrifuges with dedicated blood tube configurations. Suitable for hospitals, biochemistry laboratories, and hematology labs.
• Rotofix 32 A (MD) – widely used for routine testing applications (serum, plasma, urine) in clinics and regional hospitals.

Introduction to Hettich centrifuges used in blood testing

Rotina 380 R/380 (Space-Saving Multi-Purpose Benchtop Centrifuge)

The Rotina 380/380 R is an extremely compact and versatile benchtop centrifuge. With a width of only approximately 46 cm, it fits even narrow laboratory benches. Despite its compact footprint, the Rotina 380 delivers impressive performance: a single run can process up to 76 blood tubes, 36 conical tubes (15 mL), 32 urine tubes (10 mL), or even 12 microplates — a throughput far exceeding its size.

The centrifuge reaches a maximum speed of 15,000 rpm with centrifugal force up to approximately 24,000 ×g, making it suitable for demanding high-speed applications in both research and clinical laboratories. The Rotina 380 R (refrigerated version) enables rapid cooling down to -20°C, protecting temperature-sensitive samples.

This model incorporates the versatile Versa-Rotor system, allowing multiple tube types and configurations to be processed using a single rotor, reducing both operational costs and setup time. Additional user-friendly features include quiet operation, intuitive controls for setting time, speed, RCF, and braking parameters, as well as a “pulse” key for quick spin operations. Optional bio-sealed lids for angle rotors further enhance biosafety when handling hazardous samples.

Thanks to its performance, flexibility, and reliability, the Rotina 380/380 R is regarded as an “all-purpose centrifuge” suitable for clinical, research, and industrial laboratories requiring a compact yet powerful solution.

Universal 320 R/320 (Multi-Purpose Benchtop Centrifuge)

As its name suggests, the Universal 320/320 R is one of Hettich’s most comprehensive multi-purpose benchtop centrifuge series. Although compact in size (approximately 39.5 cm wide), it can accommodate nearly all routine centrifugation tasks in the laboratory.

The Universal 320 offers a maximum capacity of 4 × 200 mL (or 6 × 94 mL using an angle rotor), supporting standard tubes, conical tubes, urine tubes, microscope slides (up to 10 simultaneously), and cytology clips for cytological sample preparation. Operating within a wide speed range of 500–16,000 rpm and generating up to approximately 21,382 ×g, the system is suitable for both cell separation and DNA applications.

A major highlight is its ability to function as a cytospin centrifuge. By installing the 12-position cytology rotor, the system can process 0.2–6 mL cytology slides with biosafety protection, eliminating the need for a dedicated cytospin instrument.

The Universal 320 R refrigerated version supports cooling down to -20°C for temperature-controlled applications. Similar to other Hettich models, the unit features low-noise operation, convenient lid handling, robust safety locking, and a 5-year warranty.

With outstanding performance and a wide accessory portfolio, the Universal 320/320 R truly delivers an “all-in-one” centrifugation solution for clinical laboratories, universities, research institutes, and multidisciplinary laboratories.

Rotofix 32 A / 32 A (MD) (Versatile Benchtop Centrifuge for Clinical Laboratories)

The Rotofix 32 A is one of Hettich’s classic benchtop centrifuges, trusted for decades in clinical laboratories thanks to its durability and versatility. The system features a robust design and simple operation, making it suitable for routine applications such as serum separation, urine analysis, and body fluid processing.

The centrifuge supports up to 6 × 94 mL (or 4 × 100 mL) in swing-out rotors and can process up to 40 blood collection tubes simultaneously, meeting the demands of small- to medium-sized clinics and hospitals. It also supports angle rotors for conical tubes up to 8 × 50 mL.

Notably, Hettich provides dedicated cytology rotors with 12-position slide carriers and sealed biosafety lids compatible with most cytology funnel systems, enabling cytospin applications for pathology workflows.

The Rotofix 32 A (MD) version complies with in-vitro diagnostic medical device requirements under EU IVDR and/or MDR standards, ensuring manufacturing and validation according to stringent medical laboratory quality regulations.

For safety, the centrifuge features a sealed metal chamber and Hettich Safety-Lock lid system to prevent lid opening while the rotor is spinning. The unit operates quietly, reliably, and requires minimal maintenance.

With competitive pricing and proven long-term reliability, the Rotofix 32 A is an economical mid-range solution for hematology and routine biochemistry laboratories requiring a durable and versatile centrifuge.

Molecular biology / Molecular diagnostics

The following high-speed microcentrifuge models are optimized for DNA/RNA preparation, PCR workflows, and spin column applications:

• Mikro 200 / 200 R – maximum RCF up to 21,382 ×g, accommodating up to 30 × 2 mL tubes. Marketed for “faster results in molecular biology” and directly applicable to molecular diagnostics.
• Mikro 220 / 220 R – maximum speed of 18,000 rpm with RCF up to 31,514 ×g and capacity up to 60 × 2 mL tubes. Widely used in molecular diagnostics, forensic laboratories, and academic research.
• Mikro 185 – a more cost-effective microcentrifuge solution suitable for PCR and DNA/RNA preparation at smaller scales.

Introduction to Hettich centrifuges used in molecular biology

Mikro 200 R/200 (High-speed microcentrifuge with optional refrigeration)

The Mikro 200/200 R belongs to the fastest microliter centrifuge category in its class. It can accommodate up to 30 × 1.5–2.0 mL tubes per run while reaching speeds up to 15,000 rpm and centrifugal force up to 21,382 ×g, significantly reducing centrifugation time while maintaining efficient separation.

Compared to conventional 24-place microcentrifuges, the Mikro 200 improves laboratory throughput by approximately 25%. It is ideal for molecular biology applications such as centrifugation of Eppendorf tubes, PCR strips, and cryo tubes for rapid DNA, RNA, and protein sample preparation.

The refrigerated Mikro 200 R integrates a “Fast Cool” function capable of cooling the chamber to +4°C within 10–15 minutes, allowing rapid pre-cooling before operation. The system supports multiple accessories including 24-place and 30-place biosealed rotors, spin-column rotors, and PCR strip rotors (6 strips × 8 tubes).

Safety features include bio-containment rotor lids to prevent aerosol generation, a metal housing, and secure lid locking mechanisms. Interestingly, the Mikro 200 can also be used for lipid removal in lipemic blood samples for clinical chemistry applications, serving as a cost-effective alternative to larger specialized centrifuges.

With ultra-high speed, optional refrigeration, and high reliability, the Mikro 200/200 R is an essential tool for molecular biology and clinical biochemistry laboratories handling small-volume samples under strict speed and temperature control requirements.

Mikro 220 R/220 (Ultra-high-speed multi-purpose microcentrifuge)

The Mikro 220/220 R represents Hettich’s premium microcentrifuge platform, combining extreme speed, large capacity, and exceptional flexibility.

The centrifuge reaches up to 18,000 rpm with centrifugal force up to approximately 31,514 ×g, among the highest in benchtop centrifuge systems, enabling rapid separation of difficult samples.

In terms of capacity, the Mikro 220 supports a 48-place angle rotor for 1.5–2 mL tubes and an innovative 60-place drum rotor for high-throughput sample processing. Beyond microtubes, the system also supports:

• 24-place swing-out rotors for gentle low-G sample mixing
• PCR strip rotors
• Rotors for 15/50 mL conical tubes
• Standard blood tubes
• Pediatric tubes
• Capillary HCT tubes

This flexibility allows the Mikro 220 to support applications ranging from PCR and DNA workflows to clinical biochemistry and industrial/environmental sample processing within a single compact instrument.

The refrigerated Mikro 220 R reaches +4°C within 10–15 minutes and supports cooling down to -20°C, reducing both energy consumption and sample preparation time. Additionally, the system can function as a compact blood centrifuge using its 12-tube swing-out rotor operating at 6,000 rpm.

Like other Hettich systems, the Mikro 220 offers quiet operation, high safety standards, and long-term warranty support. For laboratories seeking a compact yet extremely powerful centrifuge capable of handling high-throughput micro-volume samples and multiple tube formats, the Mikro 220/220 R is a leading solution.

Mikro 185 (Cost-effective high-speed microcentrifuge)

The Mikro 185 is a compact microcentrifuge designed for DNA/RNA preparation, PCR workflows, and microbiology applications. Despite its small footprint, it delivers significantly improved performance over previous-generation microcentrifuges.

The system supports 12-place, 18-place, or 24-place rotors for 1.5–2 mL tubes and reaches up to approximately 14,000 rpm and 18,845 ×g. This enables simultaneous processing of up to 24 microtubes, improving laboratory throughput.

The Mikro 185 supports various rotor options including:

• Standard microtube rotors
• Pediatric blood tube rotors
• Spin-column rotors for DNA/RNA purification

Optional bio-containment rotor lids are available for enhanced biosafety. The centrifuge also features a digital control interface allowing easy adjustment of time, speed, RCF, and braking settings, along with visual and audible cycle completion notifications.

With competitive pricing and a 5-year warranty, the Mikro 185 provides a reliable and economical solution for molecular biology laboratories, medical testing facilities, and any laboratory requiring a compact, versatile, and high-performance microcentrifuge.

Conclusion

For blood testing applications, laboratories should consider the Rotina 380 R, Universal 320 R, or Rotofix 32 A (MD) for clinical and hospital environments.

For molecular biology and molecular diagnostics workflows, the Mikro 200/200 R or Mikro 220/220 R are recommended for PCR and DNA/RNA extraction applications, while the Mikro 185 is suitable for smaller laboratories or basic workflow requirements.