Herexi H/T12MM Capillary Centrifuge

Overview

The Herexi H/T12MM Capillary Centrifuge is a precision-engineered benchtop centrifuge specifically designed for rapid, reproducible separation of micro-volume biological samples in capillary format. Operating on the principle of sedimentation under controlled centrifugal force, it delivers consistent RCF (Relative Centrifugal Force) profiles essential for hematocrit (Hct) determination, plasma isolation from whole blood, and concentration of low-volume nucleic acid or protein solutions. Unlike general-purpose centrifuges, the H/T12MM integrates a dedicated fixed-angle rotor optimized for standard 75 mm capillary tubes (e.g., heparinized or EDTA-coated glass or plastic capillaries), ensuring uniform orientation and minimal meniscus distortion during high-speed rotation. Its compact footprint and robust mechanical architecture make it suitable for routine deployment in clinical laboratories, point-of-care testing environments, and research labs where space efficiency and operational reliability are critical.

Key Features

• High-precision brushless DC motor delivering stable rotational performance at up to 12,000 rpm with ±50 rpm speed accuracy — enabling repeatable hematocrit readings per CLSI EP5-A2 guidelines.
• Dedicated 24-position capillary rotor engineered for symmetrical load distribution and balanced inertial forces, minimizing vibration and extending bearing service life.
• Programmable microprocessor controller supporting time settings from 1 minute to 99 hours 59 minutes, with selectable continuous or momentary spin modes for flexible protocol integration.
• Acoustically damped enclosure achieving ≤60 dB(A) noise level at maximum speed — compliant with ISO 15702:2021 requirements for laboratory equipment sound emission.
• Thermal management system preventing excessive rotor temperature rise during extended runs, preserving sample integrity for heat-sensitive analytes such as cytokines or extracellular vesicles.
• Integrated safety interlock mechanism that halts operation immediately upon lid opening, meeting IEC 61010-2-020:2016 standards for centrifuge-specific electrical safety.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The H/T12MM accommodates standard 75 mm capillaries with outer diameters of 1.0–1.2 mm, including heparin-, EDTA-, or lithium heparin-coated variants used in clinical hematology. It supports both serum and plasma separation protocols aligned with CLSI H26-A3 and ISO 15189:2022 requirements for preanalytical phase control. The rotor design ensures compliance with ASTM D6988-19 for capillary tube balance tolerance (±0.02 g per tube). While not certified for GLP/GMP production environments, its traceable speed calibration and audit-ready timer log support internal quality assurance documentation under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 7.7.

Software & Data Management

The H/T12MM operates via an embedded firmware interface with no external PC dependency. All run parameters — start time, duration, speed, and rotor identification — are stored in non-volatile memory for retrieval across power cycles. Though lacking network connectivity or LIMS integration, the unit provides timestamped operational logs exportable via optional RS-232 serial interface (available upon request), facilitating manual record-keeping required by CAP accreditation checklists and internal SOPs. Firmware updates are performed locally using a standardized USB-to-serial adapter, maintaining version traceability per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex A recommendations for electronic records.

Applications

• Hematocrit measurement in veterinary and human clinical diagnostics, supporting WHO-recommended microhematocrit methodology.
• Isolation of platelet-poor plasma (PPP) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from small-volume venous or capillary blood draws.
• Concentration of DNA/RNA eluates from column-based purification kits where final volumes fall below 50 µL.
• Separation of exosomes and microvesicles from conditioned cell culture media using density-gradient-compatible capillary formats.
• Preparative fractionation of immunoassay reagents requiring precise phase separation in micro-scale reaction vessels.

FAQ

What capillary tube dimensions are compatible with the H/T12MM?
Standard 75 mm length capillaries with outer diameters between 1.0 mm and 1.2 mm, including common hematocrit tubes (e.g., Hawksley, Kimble Chase) and polymer-based alternatives.
Is rotor balancing required before each run?
Yes — symmetrical loading of all 24 positions is mandatory; unbalanced loads exceeding ±0.02 g per tube may trigger automatic shutdown per IEC 61010-2-020 safety logic.
Can the centrifuge be validated for ISO 13485 medical device manufacturing?
No — the H/T12MM is classified as a Class I laboratory instrument under MDR Annex VIII and is intended for in vitro diagnostic support, not as a component of a certified IVD system.
Does the unit include calibration documentation?
Factory calibration certificate (speed and timer accuracy) is provided with each shipment; users must perform periodic verification per their internal QA schedule using NIST-traceable tachometers.
Is the rotor autoclavable?
No — the aluminum rotor is anodized and chemically resistant but not rated for repeated steam sterilization; wipe-down with 70% ethanol is recommended for decontamination.