Ortoalresa Cyto22 Benchtop Low-Speed Centrifuge for Cytological Sample Concentration

Overview

The Ortoalresa Cyto22 is a purpose-engineered benchtop low-speed centrifuge designed specifically for cytological and microbiological applications requiring gentle yet reproducible concentration of intact cells, large organelles, and viral particles onto microscope-compatible surfaces. Unlike high-speed or ultracentrifuges, the Cyto22 operates within a precisely controlled low-RCF regime (up to 866 × g at 2500 rpm), minimizing shear-induced damage while ensuring consistent pellet formation on glass slides or membrane filters. Its mechanical architecture follows the Couette-flow principle in horizontal swing-out rotor configuration—enabling uniform sedimentation trajectories and predictable sedimentation kinetics across all 12 positions. This makes it especially suitable for diagnostic workflows where morphological integrity, spatial localization, and downstream staining or immunofluorescence compatibility are critical—such as in oncology cytology, fine-needle aspiration (FNA) processing, and clinical microbiology specimen preparation.

Key Features

• REI (Rotor Easy Installation) system: Tool-free rotor mounting and release with tactile locking feedback and automatic rotor recognition.
• TFT color touchscreen (visible from ≥3 m): Displays real-time rpm, RCF, elapsed time, acceleration/deceleration profiles (PCBS), and Unbalance Location System (ULS) diagnostics showing tube position numbers triggering auto-stop.
• Programmable PCBS (Progressive Control Braking & Acceleration System): 175 selectable acceleration/deceleration slopes to prevent post-centrifugation resuspension and preserve stratified pellet architecture.
• 100 user-programmable protocols with password protection; stepwise timing (5 s increments), pause/resume functionality, and post-setpoint timer activation.
• Integrated SmartConnect connectivity: WiFi-enabled remote monitoring, parameter programming, and device control via Ortoalresa’s free cross-platform application (Windows, iOS, Android).
• Ultra-low noise operation (<60 dB[A]) enabled by brushless DC motor and vibration-damped chassis design.
• Full safety suite: Automatic mechanical lid lock, emergency manual unlock, lid-drop prevention mechanism, transparent observation window, and real-time imbalance detection with immediate shutdown.
• Autoclavable components: Stainless-steel centrifuge chamber, rotor, and adapters rated for steam sterilization (121°C, 20 min, 1 bar), supporting GLP-compliant reuse in regulated environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Cyto22 accommodates standard 6 mL conical tubes (e.g., Falcon 14959) in its 12-position horizontal rotor, delivering uniform sedimentation efficiency across sample densities—from low-concentration peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to viscous pleural effusions or bacterial suspensions. Its low-RCF operating envelope ensures preservation of fragile cell membranes and surface antigen epitopes, enabling reliable morphology-based diagnosis per Papanicolaou (Pap) and Romanowsky staining protocols. The device complies fully with IEC/EN 61010-1 (safety requirements for laboratory equipment), EN 61010-2-101 (particular requirements for centrifuges), and EN 61010-2-020 (requirements for centrifuges used in medical laboratories). Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and RoHS/WEEE conformity are certified under EU Directives 2014/30/EU, 2014/35/EU, 2011/65/EU, and 2012/19/EU—ensuring seamless integration into ISO 15189-accredited clinical labs and FDA-regulated research facilities.

Software & Data Management

Ortoalresa SmartConnect provides secure, audit-ready device interaction without proprietary hardware interfaces. All protocol executions—including start/stop timestamps, rotor ID, speed/RCF settings, acceleration/deceleration profiles, and ULS event logs—are timestamped and exportable as CSV files. While the Cyto22 does not implement full 21 CFR Part 11 electronic signature functionality natively, its logging architecture supports integration into third-party LIMS or ELN systems via standardized HTTP API endpoints (available upon request). Password-protected access levels allow lab managers to assign operator roles (e.g., “technician”, “supervisor”) with differential editing rights—aligning with GLP documentation requirements for traceability and accountability.

Applications

• Cytological specimen concentration for Pap smear preparation and liquid-based cytology (LBC)
• Concentration of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), synovial fluid, and pleural effusions prior to Gram staining or flow cytometry
• Isolation of intact exosomes and microvesicles from low-volume biofluids (serum, urine, saliva)
• Preparative separation of yeast, filamentous fungi, or slow-growing mycobacteria for culture confirmation
• Routine sedimentation of blood fractions in hematology support labs

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended run time for continuous operation?

The Cyto22 is rated for uninterrupted operation up to 99 minutes per cycle. For extended use beyond 2 hours/day, periodic cooling intervals (≥10 min) are advised to maintain thermal stability of the motor and bearing assembly.

Can the Cyto22 be validated for GMP environments?

Yes—the device supports IQ/OQ documentation packages (available from Ortoalresa upon request), including calibration certificates for speed/RCF accuracy (±2% tolerance), timer verification, and safety interlock testing reports.

Is rotor balancing required before each run?

No. The integrated ULS continuously monitors mass distribution during acceleration and will halt operation if imbalance exceeds 5 g·cm threshold—displaying the offending tube position numerically on-screen.

Does the SmartConnect app store historical run data locally on the device?

No. Run logs are stored only on the connected client device (PC/tablet/smartphone) or exported manually. The centrifuge itself retains no persistent storage to comply with data sovereignty requirements in healthcare institutions.

Are replacement rotors and adapters available with CE-IVD marking?

All Ortoalresa-certified rotors and tube adapters supplied with the Cyto22 carry CE marking per Regulation (EU) 2017/746 (IVDR), confirming conformity for in vitro diagnostic use in clinical cytology applications.