Shopping Cart
Technical article for medical professionals
RCF, RPM, rotor radius, rotor, run time and braking behaviour must be considered as one technical system. Rotor speed alone does not describe the centrifugal force acting on the sample.
RPM and RCF: two different parameters
RPM means revolutions per minute and describes rotor speed. RCF means relative centrifugal force and describes the acceleration acting at a defined radius as a multiple of gravitational acceleration. Therefore the same RPM can produce different RCF values when the rotor radius changes.
RCF = 1,118 × 10⁻⁵ × r(cm) × RPM²
Open RCF/RPM calculator
Use the dedicated calculator for the actual conversion of RCF, RPM and rotor radius. This article intentionally focuses on technical interpretation and process logic.
Rotor radius: essential for conversion
The relevant radius is the radius of the actual setup consisting of rotor, adapter and tube position. Do not copy a radius from another centrifuge or a different adapter configuration.
Rotor type, run time and braking
Fixed-angle and swing-out rotors position tubes differently during operation. Run time, acceleration and braking profiles must not be considered in isolation. Device instructions and product-specific manufacturer information remain decisive.
Do not mix PRP and PRF protocols
PRP and PRF systems can differ in tube material, additives, coagulation behaviour, run time and other process parameters. A general RPM or RCF table for all PRP or PRF systems would therefore be too broad.
What should be checked before transferring a protocol?
Common technical errors
- copying RPM from another device without knowing rotor radius
- treating mathematically identical RCF as full protocol approval
- ignoring rotor or adapter during transfer
- mixing PRP and PRF protocols
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between RPM and RCF?
RPM describes rotor speed. RCF describes relative centrifugal force at a defined radius. The same RPM can therefore result in different RCF values at different radii.
Can a PRP protocol simply be transferred to another centrifuge?
No. Mathematical RCF/RPM conversion is only one part of the assessment. Rotor, adapter, tube, device limits, run time and further manufacturer specifications must also be considered.
For medical professionals only. This article provides technical context for centrifugation parameters and does not replace IFU, centrifuge operating instructions, manufacturer documentation or professional assessment It does not provide treatment recommendations.
