Hershey HT12MM Blood Group Serology Dedicated Centrifuge
| Brand | Hershey |
|---|---|
| Origin | Hunan, China |
| Model | HT12MM |
| Type | Benchtop Low-Speed Centrifuge |
| Max Speed | 4000 rpm |
| Max RCF | 2200 ×g |
| Capacity | 12 tubes (standard configuration) |
| Rotor Options | SERO rotor (4000 rpm, 1842 ×g), HLS rotor (4200 rpm, 2200 ×g), Microgel Card rotor (4000 rpm, 1824 ×g) |
| Timer Range | 1 min – 99 h 59 min |
| Speed Accuracy | ±50 rpm |
| Drive System | High-torque brushless DC motor |
| Noise Level | ≤60 dB(A) |
| Dimensions | 550 × 440 × 330 mm |
| Weight | 35 kg |
| Power Supply | AC 220 V, 50 Hz |
| Power Consumption | 120 W |
Overview
The Hershey HT12MM Blood Group Serology Dedicated Centrifuge is a purpose-engineered benchtop low-speed centrifuge designed specifically for routine and critical applications in blood bank laboratories, transfusion medicine, and immunohematology. Unlike general-purpose centrifuges, the HT12MM integrates application-specific rotor geometries, programmable protocols, and optimized acceleration/deceleration profiles to meet the stringent reproducibility and handling requirements of serological testing—including red blood cell (RBC) washing, microcolumn gel card assays (e.g., ID-Micro Typing System), and indirect antiglobulin tests (IAT). Its operation adheres to principles of sedimentation kinetics under controlled gravitational force (RCF), ensuring consistent pelleting of erythrocytes while preserving antigen integrity and minimizing hemolysis—critical for accurate agglutination interpretation in ABO/Rh typing, antibody screening, and compatibility testing.
Key Features
- Three dedicated, interchangeable rotors: SERO rotor for standardized RBC washing (12 × 12 mm tubes), HLS rotor for lymphocyte and platelet separation (up to 4200 rpm), and Microgel Card rotor supporting 6-, 8-, or 12-column immunohematology cards—enabling single-instrument versatility across core blood bank workflows.
- Precision microprocessor control with programmable time (1 min–99 h 59 min), speed (10-rpm increments), and acceleration/deceleration ramping to prevent column disruption in gel-based assays.
- Brushless DC motor drive delivering high torque at low speeds, ensuring stable rotational dynamics during sensitive sedimentation phases and extending service life under repeated clinical use.
- Acoustically damped chamber and balanced rotor assembly achieving ≤60 dB(A) operational noise—suitable for shared laboratory environments without compromising operator comfort or adjacent instrumentation.
- Intuitive front-panel interface with real-time display of speed, RCF, remaining time, and error codes; supports both continuous and short-pulse (“spin-and-stop”) modes for rapid wash steps.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The HT12MM accommodates standard 12 mm × 75 mm serology tubes, gel cards (ID-DiaCell®, Ortho BioVue®), and custom adapter configurations for alternate tube formats. All rotors are certified for use with common anticoagulants (EDTA, citrate, heparin) and compatible with reagents used in ISBT-recognized methodologies. The instrument meets IEC 61010-1:2010 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment and conforms to ISO 15189 pre-analytical requirements for centrifugation consistency in accredited medical laboratories. While not FDA 510(k)-cleared as an IVD device, its performance parameters align with CLSI EP05-A3 guidelines for precision assessment of centrifugal separation in blood grouping procedures.
Software & Data Management
The HT12MM operates via embedded firmware without external PC dependency—ensuring reliability in high-throughput clinical settings where network connectivity is restricted or prohibited. Protocol storage includes up to 10 user-defined programs with password-protected access, supporting audit-ready documentation of run parameters per sample batch. Though lacking native LIS integration or electronic signature capability, its timer and speed logs satisfy GLP-aligned record-keeping when paired with manual entry into laboratory information systems. Optional RS-232 output (available upon request) enables basic data export for QC trending in accordance with CAP checklist COM.40510.
Applications
- Routine ABO and Rh(D) typing using slide/tube methods and gel microtyping systems.
- Red blood cell washing for direct/indirect Coombs testing and adsorption/elution studies.
- Preparation of packed RBCs and platelet-poor plasma for compatibility testing and reference serum production.
- Lymphocyte isolation from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) for HLA typing and flow cytometry prep.
- Standardized sedimentation of antigen-coated RBCs in antibody identification panels and titration assays.
FAQ
Is the HT12MM compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records?
No—the device does not include electronic signature functionality or audit trail generation required for Part 11 compliance. It is intended for use in environments where manual documentation meets regulatory expectations.
Can the HLS rotor be used for platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparation?
Yes—the HLS rotor’s 4200 rpm maximum speed and optimized bucket geometry support two-step centrifugation protocols for PRP isolation per AABB Technical Manual Chapter 11 guidelines.
Does the HT12MM support calibration traceability to national standards?
Speed and timer calibration can be verified using NIST-traceable tachometers and stopwatch references; Hershey provides calibration certificates upon request for IQ/OQ validation packages.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for clinical operation?
Rotor inspection every 6 months and full preventive maintenance annually—including brushless motor diagnostics, bearing assessment, and lid interlock verification—are advised per ISO 13485-based service protocols.
Are replacement rotors available with CE marking for EU laboratories?
Yes—CE-marked SERO, HLS, and Microgel Card rotors are supplied with Declaration of Conformity (DoC) referencing Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and EMC Directive 2014/30/EU.
