OHAUS Frontier™ 5000 Series Multi-Function Medical Centrifuge FC5706P+R78
| Brand | OHAUS |
|---|---|
| Origin | Jiangsu, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Manufacturer |
| Origin Category | Domestic |
| Model | FC5706P+R78 (Medical Centrifuge) |
| Instrument Type | Benchtop Centrifuge |
| Speed Range | 200–6,000 rpm |
| Max RCF | 4,427 × g |
| Max Capacity | 6 × 50 mL |
| Dimensions (L×H×W) | 540 × 365 × 323 mm |
| Net Weight | 14.2 kg |
| Motor | Brushless DC |
| Noise Level | ≤ 56 ± 2 dB(A) |
| Display | Backlit LCD, dual-line |
| Operating Environment | 5–35 °C, ≤ 80% RH (non-condensing) |
| Power Consumption | 70 W |
| Acceleration/Deceleration Steps | 10 each |
| Timer Range | 10 s – 99 min 59 s |
| Rotor Recognition | Manual |
| Safety Certification | CE |
| Rotor Compatibility | Angle (6×50 mL RB/FA), Angle (12×15 mL RB/FA), Angle (18×1.5/2.0 mL), Swing-out (4×10 mL), Swing-out (6×5 mL) |
Overview
The OHAUS Frontier™ 5000 Series Multi-Function Medical Centrifuge FC5706P+R78 is a benchtop, low-speed centrifuge engineered for precision, reliability, and operational efficiency in clinical, diagnostic, and general laboratory environments. Designed around the principles of sedimentation-based separation—where differential particle migration under controlled centrifugal force enables phase separation of biological suspensions—the FC5706P+R78 delivers reproducible performance for routine sample preparation tasks including blood serum/plasma separation, urine sediment concentration, and bacterial pellet recovery. Its brushless DC motor ensures stable rotational control across the full speed range (200–6,000 rpm), minimizing mechanical wear and thermal drift while maintaining low acoustic emissions (≤56 dB[A]). The unit operates without refrigeration, making it suitable for ambient-temperature applications where thermal sensitivity is not a primary concern—such as initial processing of whole blood, coagulated serum tubes, or urinalysis specimens prior to microscopy or dipstick analysis.
Key Features
- Compact, space-optimized footprint: At 540 × 365 × 323 mm (L×H×W), the FC5706P+R78 fits seamlessly into crowded clinical workstations or mobile lab carts without compromising accessibility or ergonomics.
- Intuitive dual-line backlit LCD interface: Enables real-time monitoring of rpm, RCF, time remaining, and acceleration/deceleration status—even under low-light conditions common in night-shift laboratories or field deployment settings.
- CE-certified safety architecture: Features a mechanically interlocked lid with automatic rotor detection override prevention, over-speed protection, imbalance detection, and automatic shutdown upon abnormal vibration or door opening during operation.
- Modular rotor ecosystem: Supports five interchangeable rotor configurations—including angle rotors for high-RCF pelleting (e.g., 6×50 mL RB/FA) and swing-out rotors for gentle layering of density-gradient media or fragile cell preparations—without requiring tool-based installation.
- Energy-efficient operation: Rated at only 70 W maximum power draw, the centrifuge aligns with ISO 50001-aligned energy management practices in resource-conscious healthcare facilities and academic core labs.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The FC5706P+R78 is validated for use with standard clinical specimen containers, including conical-bottom polypropylene tubes (1.5–50 mL), evacuated blood collection tubes (EDTA, heparin, serum separator), and urine collection vials. Its maximum RCF of 4,427 × g meets ASTM D3232-22 requirements for centrifugal separation of suspended solids in clinical fluids and supports protocols aligned with CLSI GP44-A6 (Procedures for the Handling and Processing of Blood Specimens). While not designed for biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) containment or cryogenic applications, the unit complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and satisfies essential requirements under EU Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD). Documentation packages include traceable calibration certificates for speed and timer accuracy, supporting GLP-compliant recordkeeping and internal audit readiness.
Software & Data Management
This model operates via embedded firmware with no external software dependency—ensuring deterministic behavior and eliminating cybersecurity risks associated with networked instrument control. All 99 programmable methods are stored locally with non-volatile memory retention, preserving protocol integrity during power interruptions. Each run logs timestamp, selected rotor ID (manually entered), set parameters (rpm, time, acceleration/deceleration profile), and final status (normal completion, early stop, error code). Audit trails comply with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate) and support manual transcription into LIMS or electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex A guidance for paper-based systems. Optional barcode-enabled rotor identification kits (sold separately) facilitate traceability in high-volume clinical labs implementing ISO 15189:2022 quality management systems.
Applications
- Serum and plasma isolation from whole blood using standard vacuum tubes (e.g., SST, EDTA)
- Concentration of urinary sediments for microscopic evaluation per CAP checklist MIC.41120
- Pelleting of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., E. coli, S. aureus) for downstream DNA extraction or antimicrobial susceptibility testing
- Preparation of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for orthopedic or dermatologic applications (when paired with appropriate anticoagulant tubes and validated spin protocols)
- Clarification of cell culture supernatants prior to ELISA or protein quantification assays
- Separation of lipid layers in lipemia-affected samples prior to clinical chemistry analysis
FAQ
Is the FC5706P+R78 suitable for use with infectious or biohazardous samples?
Yes—provided users follow institutional biosafety protocols, including use of sealed rotors, secondary containment (e.g., sealed buckets), and post-run decontamination per CDC/NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) 6th edition guidelines.
Can this centrifuge be integrated into a LIMS environment?
Direct digital integration is not supported; however, its parameter logging and method recall functionality enable manual data entry into LIMS platforms with full traceability when combined with documented SOPs and operator sign-offs.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for the brushless DC motor?
No scheduled motor maintenance is required. Routine cleaning of the chamber and rotor seating surfaces every 30 days—or after each use with volatile solvents—is advised per OHAUS Service Bulletin F5000-2023-07.
Does the unit support variable acceleration and deceleration profiles?
Yes—10 discrete acceleration and deceleration steps are available, allowing optimization of pelleting integrity (e.g., rapid acceleration for dense particles) or supernatant clarity (e.g., soft deceleration for fragile monolayers).
Are rotor calibration certificates included with purchase?
Each rotor ships with a factory-issued certificate of conformity referencing ISO 17025-accredited calibration for angular velocity accuracy and radial runout—valid for 12 months from date of manufacture.
