ZiQi ZQRM-A & ZQRM-B Tube Rotator Shaker
| Brand | ZiQi |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Product Category | Domestic (China-Made) |
| Models | ZQRM-A, ZQRM-B |
| Instrument Type | Tube Rotator / End-Over-End Mixer |
| Timer Range | 1–999 min |
| Oscillation Speed | 6–32 rpm |
| Display | None (ZQRM-A), Digital Speed & Timer Display (ZQRM-B) |
| Operating Modes | Continuous |
| Max Load Capacity | 24 × 5 mL tubes, 24 × 1.5 mL tubes, 24 × 15 mL tubes, or 12 × 50 mL tubes |
| Rotating Plate Diameter | 300 mm |
| Tilt Angle | 38° |
| Input Voltage | 220 V ±10%, 50/60 Hz |
Overview
The ZiQi ZQRM-A and ZQRM-B Tube Rotator Shakers are precision-engineered laboratory devices designed for gentle, consistent end-over-end rotation of clinical and research samples in standard glass or plastic tubes. Unlike orbital or reciprocating shakers, these instruments operate on a fixed-axis rotational principle—rotating the sample platform along a circular path at a controlled angular velocity while maintaining a constant 38° tilt angle. This geometry ensures thorough yet low-shear mixing by continuously reorienting liquid columns within tubes, promoting homogenization without foaming, cell lysis, or sediment disruption. The design is optimized for routine use in clinical laboratories, blood banks, and molecular biology workflows where reproducible, hands-free tube inversion is required—particularly for anticoagulated blood specimens in vacuum collection tubes (e.g., EDTA, citrate, heparin), serum separation gels, immunoassay reagents, and low-viscosity biological suspensions.
Key Features
- Adjustable rotational speed from 6 to 32 rpm, enabling protocol-specific optimization for delicate vs. viscous samples.
- Interchangeable elastic tube clamps allow rapid adaptation across common tube formats: 1.5 mL microcentrifuge tubes, 5 mL and 15 mL conical tubes, and 50 mL centrifuge tubes—no tools required.
- ZQRM-B model includes dual digital LED displays for real-time monitoring of both rotational speed and elapsed timer duration (1–999 minutes), supporting GLP-compliant documentation when paired with external loggers.
- Stable 300 mm diameter rotating plate with precision-machined bearing assembly ensures long-term mechanical consistency and minimal vibration transmission to adjacent benchtop equipment.
- Continuous operation mode eliminates start-stop cycling, reducing mechanical wear and ensuring uninterrupted mixing during extended incubation protocols.
- Compliant with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for electrical laboratory equipment; designed for Class II laboratory environments per ISO/IEC 17025 general requirements for competence of testing and calibration laboratories.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ZQRM series accommodates standard clinical and research tube geometries without modification: evacuated blood collection tubes (13 × 75 mm, 16 × 100 mm), screw-cap microtubes, and polypropylene conical tubes. Its 38° tilt angle aligns with CLSI GP45-A6 guidelines for specimen mixing prior to centrifugation, minimizing clot formation and improving phase separation reproducibility. While not certified for ISO 13485 medical device manufacturing, the unit meets essential performance criteria referenced in CAP (College of American Pathologists) checklist GEN.40720 (specimen handling) and supports adherence to CLIA-waived test requirements where manual mixing is prohibited. All electrical components comply with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and CE marking prerequisites for non-medical laboratory instrumentation.
Software & Data Management
These are standalone hardware units with no embedded firmware, network interface, or proprietary software. ZQRM-A operates via mechanical timer only; ZQRM-B provides local digital readouts but does not store historical data or support USB/RS-232 output. For regulated environments requiring audit trails (e.g., FDA 21 CFR Part 11, ISO 15189), users must integrate external time-stamped logging—such as calibrated stopwatch recordings or time-synced video documentation—to satisfy traceability requirements. No password protection, user roles, or electronic signature functionality is included, consistent with Class I laboratory accessories under EU MDR Annex VIII.
Applications
- Clinical chemistry: Homogenizing whole blood specimens prior to automated analyzer loading to prevent analyte stratification (e.g., potassium, glucose).
- Hematology: Ensuring uniform distribution of anticoagulants in EDTA tubes before CBC analysis.
- Immunology: Re-suspending precipitated antibodies or antigen-coated beads in ELISA and lateral flow assay preparation.
- Blood banking: Gentle mixing of crossmatch samples to preserve RBC integrity during compatibility testing.
- Cell culture: Low-shear resuspension of adherent cells post-trypsinization when transferred to transport tubes.
- Quality control labs: Standardized mixing step in SOPs for reference material reconstitution and dilution series preparation.
FAQ
What is the difference between ZQRM-A and ZQRM-B?
ZQRM-A features a mechanical timer only and no digital display; ZQRM-B adds independent LED readouts for speed (rpm) and elapsed time (minutes), enhancing protocol repeatability.
Can this rotator be used for mixing viscous solutions like glycerol stocks or agarose gels?
It is not recommended for high-viscosity media (>100 mPa·s) due to torque limitations; optimal performance is observed with aqueous buffers, serum, plasma, and diluted cell suspensions.
Is the tilt angle adjustable?
No—the 38° fixed tilt is integral to the mechanical design and cannot be modified without compromising structural integrity or mixing efficacy.
Does the unit include validation documentation?
No factory-issued IQ/OQ/PQ protocols are supplied; users must perform in-house operational qualification per their laboratory’s validation SOPs.
What maintenance is required?
Routine cleaning of the rotating plate and clamps with 70% ethanol; annual inspection of motor coupling and bearing smoothness is advised for continuous-use settings.
