Going for a Spin – The Critical Role of Centrifuges in Modern Clinical Trials
A centrifuge plays a crucial role in clinical trials enabling the processing of important biological samples and the gathering of accurate data. In a process known as centrifugation, they can isolate vital substances such as blood components or cellular materials for diagnostic testing within a clinical trial.
In this Insight we have a look at the applications of a clinical centrifuge and why partnering with Oximio to source the right centrifuge for your trial will ensure optimal performance, efficiency, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Key Centrifuge Uses in Clinical Trials
Blood Sample Processing
Medical centrifuges are extensively used in clinical trials for the processing of blood samples, enabling the separation of blood into its key components – red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma. This is essential for diagnostics which may include haematocrit, which measures the proportion of red blood cells as well as the analysis of blood chemistry.
DNA/RNA Separation
The isolation and extraction of either DNA (desoxyribonucleic acid) or RNA (ribonucleic acid) is often required to obtain pure and concentrated samples of DNA or RNA. These essential molecules carry genetic information which are significant in the transmission of genetic traits and the regulation of cellular processes.
Clinical centrifuges can also be used for PCR and qPCR, polymerase chain reaction techniques used to amplify specific sections of DNA. qPCR enables the monitoring of targeted DNA amplification in real-time. All techniques play an important part in medical investigations allowing for a more focused and accurate examination of genetic material.
Cell Separation
Cell separation is used for the isolation of cell types or cellular components from diverse samples in cell biology. This plays an important role in stem cell research and the purification of cellular organelles, subcellular structures that carry out either singular or multiple functions within a cell.
Urine Analysis
The centrifuging of urine enables the isolation of sediment which includes cells, crystals or other materials for subsequent microscopic analysis. This is useful for the diagnosis of kidney disorders, urinary tract infections and other similar ailments.
Serum and Plasma Separation
The separation of serum or plasma from blood is essential for diagnostic testing, as it allows for the analysis of specific constituents such as enzymes, antibodies, and other biochemical markers. This separation aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of various medical conditions, providing valuable insights into a patient’s health status and ensuring that the correct medical decisions are made.
Other Applications
Centrifuges play a pivotal role in advancing clinical trials, particularly in the realms of virus and pathogen research essential for understanding infectious agents. They contribute significantly to diagnostics and vaccine development. Beyond infectious diseases, these versatile instruments are important in drug development by facilitating the separation and purification of substances, isolating components with specific properties crucial for formulating effective medications. Their applications span multiple areas of medical research, highlighting their indispensable contributions to the advancement of both therapeutic and preventive interventions.
Partner with Oximio for your Centrifuge Clinical Trial Requirements
Efficient sample processing is critical for obtaining reliable data in any clinical trial. The use of high-quality medical centrifuges can significantly impact the success of clinical trials by enhancing sample processing, efficiency, and compliance with regulatory standards.
Via our comparator sourcing services, Oximio can provide an unmatched solution for best practice sample processing with a range of highly versatile, low downtime, air-cooled and refrigerated centrifuges that meets most sponsor requirements, and which can be used in almost any clinical trial. They accommodate all common blood, paediatric, urine and cell preparation tubes, facilitating reliable and reproducible results.
Offering a compact footprint and quiet operation, they are suitable for any laboratory. User-friendly operation reduces the risk of human error and makes for easy training of staff, regardless of previous experience.
Working within regulated environments, IQ/OQ GxP documentation provides peace of mind along with extended warranty on parts, labour and travel expenses on repairs. With a global distribution network, we can fulfil requirements worldwide.
For further information on our centrifuge solutions, please contact us. We’d be happy to discuss your requirements.