Xiangyi CTK64 Benchtop Low-Speed Refrigerated Centrifuge

Overview

The Xiangyi CTK64 is a benchtop low-speed refrigerated centrifuge engineered for routine clinical and laboratory separation tasks where precise temperature control, operational safety, and high sample throughput are essential. Designed specifically for vacuum blood collection tube processing in hospital core labs and clinical diagnostic settings, the CTK64 operates on the principle of sedimentation-based separation under controlled gravitational force (RCF), enabling efficient stratification of whole blood into serum/plasma, buffy coat, and erythrocyte layers. Its refrigerated architecture maintains samples within a tightly regulated 15–25 °C range during operation—critical for preserving labile analytes, minimizing hemolysis, and complying with CLSI GP44-A6 and ISO 15189 preanalytical requirements. Unlike general-purpose low-speed centrifuges, the CTK64 integrates an optional automatic decapping module (standard on CTK64R variant), eliminating manual cap removal post-centrifugation—a known source of workflow inefficiency, sample re-mixing, and biosafety risk in high-volume clinical laboratories.

Key Features

• AC variable-frequency motor drive ensures stable rotational speed control with ±10 rpm accuracy across the full 0–4000 rpm operating range, supporting reproducible sedimentation kinetics.
• Refrigerated chamber with PID-controlled thermoregulation maintains internal temperature within ±1 °C of setpoint (15–25 °C), validated per IEC 61010-2-020 thermal stability criteria.
• Horizontal swing-out rotor accommodates up to 13 tubes of either 75 mL or 100 mL capacity, optimized for standard clinical tube formats including BD Vacutainer®, Greiner Bio-One, and Sarstedt systems.
• Integrated electronic lid lock prevents accidental opening during operation and enforces interlock compliance with EN 61010-1 mechanical safety standards.
• Advanced passive damping system combined with automatic rotor imbalance compensation minimizes vibration transmission, achieving acoustic performance ≤62 dB(A) at 1 m distance (per ISO 3744).
• LCD interface displays real-time rpm, RCF, time remaining, temperature, and error codes; RCF is calculated automatically based on current speed and rotor radius (152 mm).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CTK64 is validated for use with polypropylene and glass vacuum blood collection tubes (13 mm × 75 mm and 13 mm × 100 mm), including those capped with rubber stoppers or plastic screw caps. It supports separation protocols aligned with CLSI H26-A3 for serum preparation and CLSI H18-A3 for plasma isolation. The centrifuge meets IEC 61010-1:2010 (Ed.3) for electrical safety and IEC 61326-1:2012 for electromagnetic compatibility. While not certified for GMP or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box, its electronic log functionality (time-stamped run records, rotor ID tracking, and fault history) provides foundational traceability suitable for GLP-aligned environments when paired with local SOP documentation.

Software & Data Management

The CTK64 operates via embedded firmware without external PC dependency. All run parameters—including speed, time, temperature, and start/stop timestamps—are stored in non-volatile memory for up to 100 recent cycles. Data export is not supported via USB or network interface; however, printed records can be generated using optional RS-232–enabled thermal label printers (e.g., Zebra GK420d). Audit trails are maintained locally and accessible via service mode for QA review. For laboratories requiring electronic record integrity, integration with LIS/HIS platforms may be achieved through custom serial protocol parsing (ASCII-based command set available upon request).

Applications

• Routine serum and plasma separation from whole blood in hospital central laboratories and outpatient clinics.
• Preparation of platelet-poor plasma (PPP) for coagulation assays (e.g., PT, APTT) under standardized low-g conditions.
• Bacterial pellet harvesting in microbiology workflows (e.g., urine culture supernatant clarification prior to inoculation).
• Sedimentation of cellular components in CSF, synovial fluid, and pleural effusions for cytological analysis.
• Stabilization of temperature-sensitive immunoassay reagents during batch processing.

FAQ

What is the maximum relative centrifugal force (RCF) achievable with the CTK64?
The CTK64 delivers a maximum RCF of 3030 × g at 4000 rpm with the standard horizontal rotor (radius = 152 mm).
Does the CTK64 support rotor auto-recognition or calibration verification?
No. Rotor identification is manual via operator input; calibration of speed and temperature requires periodic third-party verification per ISO/IEC 17025.
Can the CTK64 be used for centrifuging infectious samples?
Yes—when operated with sealed tube carriers and appropriate biosafety containment (e.g., BSL-2 cabinet placement), it complies with WHO Laboratory Biosafety Manual (4th ed.) recommendations for low-risk pathogen handling.
Is the automatic decapping function included in the base CTK64 model?
No. Automatic decapping is standard only on the CTK64R variant. The base CTK64 model requires manual cap removal post-run.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for long-term reliability?
Rotor inspection every 6 months or 500 runs (whichever occurs first); refrigeration system service annually by authorized technician; lubrication-free motor design eliminates routine bearing maintenance.