OHAUS Frontier™ 5000 Series Multi-Application Benchtop Centrifuge FC5706P+R97

Overview

The OHAUS Frontier™ 5000 Series Multi-Application Benchtop Centrifuge FC5706P+R97 is a CE-certified, low-speed centrifugal system engineered for routine clinical and diagnostic laboratory workflows requiring reliable, repeatable separation of biological specimens at moderate g-forces. Designed in accordance with ISO 13485-aligned manufacturing practices, this unit operates on the principle of sedimentation under controlled rotational acceleration—enabling efficient pelleting of whole blood components, urinary sediments, cultured cells, and bacterial suspensions without compromising sample integrity. Its compact footprint (540 × 365 × 323 mm) and brushless DC motor architecture ensure quiet operation (<56 dB[A]) and long-term mechanical stability, making it suitable for shared lab environments, point-of-care testing stations, and quality control labs where space efficiency and regulatory traceability are critical.

Key Features

• CE-marked design compliant with IEC 61010-1 for electrical safety and EN 61326-1 for electromagnetic compatibility in medical laboratory settings.
• Intuitive dual-line backlit LCD interface supporting real-time display of rpm, rcf, time remaining, and acceleration/deceleration status—no software installation required.
• Modular rotor ecosystem: supports five interchangeable rotors—including angle (6×50 mL, 12×15 mL, 18×1.5/2.0 mL) and swing-out (4×10 mL, 6×5 mL) configurations—each manually identified and validated for maximum load capacity and balance tolerance.
• Programmable timer with precision resolution down to 1 second; supports continuous spin, short-pulse (instant) mode, and timed runs from 10 seconds to 99 minutes 59 seconds.
• Mechanical lid lock with audible engagement feedback ensures operator safety during operation and prevents accidental opening under rotation.
• Brushless DC motor delivers consistent torque across the full speed range (200–6,000 rpm), eliminating carbon dust accumulation and reducing maintenance intervals.
• Integrated thermal management maintains ambient operating temperature stability; no active cooling or refrigeration subsystem required—ideal for non-cryogenic applications such as serum separation and urinalysis.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FC5706P+R97 is validated for use with standard clinical specimen containers including conical-bottom polypropylene tubes (1.5–50 mL), evacuated blood collection tubes (e.g., EDTA, heparin, serum separator), and urine centrifuge vials. It meets functional requirements specified in CLSI GP44-A4 for centrifuge performance verification and aligns with ASTM D4006-21 guidelines for mechanical reliability assessment in benchtop instrumentation. While not classified as an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) device per EU IVDR 2017/746, its construction, labeling, and documentation support integration into GLP- and CAP-accredited laboratories performing routine hematology, clinical chemistry, and microbiology procedures. All rotors carry individual serial traceability and are rated for ≥10,000 operational cycles under nominal load conditions.

Software & Data Management

This centrifuge operates as a standalone instrument with no embedded firmware-based data logging or network connectivity. All operational parameters are set and monitored locally via the front-panel interface. For laboratories implementing electronic record-keeping systems, manual entry of run parameters—including date/time stamp, rotor ID, speed, duration, and rcf—is supported by the unit’s persistent display memory. Though lacking FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trails or digital export capability, its deterministic behavior, mechanical repeatability, and CE-conformant design facilitate inclusion in SOP-driven workflows subject to internal QA review and external accreditation audits (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025, CAP).

Applications

• Routine serum/plasma separation from whole blood specimens using 6×50 mL angle rotors (RCF up to 4,427 × g).
• Urinary sediment concentration prior to microscopic examination.
• Pelleting of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial cultures for downstream DNA extraction or antibiotic susceptibility testing.
• Preparation of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and buffy coat layers in outpatient clinics.
• Clarification of cell lysates and crude tissue homogenates in basic life science research.
• Processing of small-volume samples (e.g., 18×1.5/2.0 mL) for molecular diagnostics workflows requiring high-throughput tube handling.

FAQ

Is the FC5706P+R97 suitable for use with infectious or biohazardous samples?
Yes—when operated with sealed, certified biosafety-compatible rotors and tubes, and following institutional biosafety level (BSL-2) containment protocols. The unit itself does not provide aerosol containment; users must select appropriate secondary containment devices (e.g., sealed buckets or safety cups) for hazardous material processing.
Does this centrifuge support automatic rotor identification?
No—rotor recognition is manual. Users must confirm rotor type and loading configuration before initiating a run to ensure compliance with maximum imbalance tolerances.
Can the FC5706P+R97 be integrated into a LIMS environment?
Not natively. It lacks RS-232, USB, or Ethernet ports for direct instrument-to-LIMS communication. Integration requires external barcode scanning or manual parameter transcription.
What is the expected service life of the brushless DC motor?
Rated for ≥20,000 hours of operation under typical clinical usage patterns (average 4–6 runs/day), with no scheduled replacement interval beyond routine visual inspection and cleaning per OHAUS Maintenance Guide Rev. 3.2.
Are spare rotors supplied with calibration certificates?
Yes—each rotor shipped with the FC5706P+R97 carries a factory-issued Certificate of Conformance indicating nominal radius, maximum load rating, and static balance verification per ISO 1940-1 G6.3 grade.