The cytocentrifuge is a laboratory device commonly used in clinical, hospital, and research settings to concentrate cells in a liquid medium, such as a culture or biological sample. Its main function is to facilitate the preparation of samples for microscopic analysis, making it a valuable tool in clinical microbiology and cytology.

Unlike conventional centrifugation, which operates with relatively large sample volumes (from milliliters to liters) and variable speeds, cytocentrifugation is designed to work with small volumes (around a milliliter or less) and generally high speeds. This technical specificity allows well-defined cell sediments to be obtained in short periods of time.

Cytocentrifugation Procedure for Diagnosing Pulmonary Disease

In the context of diagnosing respiratory infectious diseases, cytocentrifugation enables the concentration of cells and microorganisms present in patient sputum, facilitating microscopic pathogen detection. The typical procedure includes the following steps:

1. Sample collection: Between 1 and 2 mL of sputum is collected from a patient showing symptoms such as persistent cough or breathing difficulty.
2. Centrifugation: The sample is centrifuged at 1000 to 3000 rpm for 5 to 10 minutes. This sediments cells and microorganisms at the bottom of the tube.
3. Slide preparation: The resulting sediment is transferred to a microscope slide, where a smear is prepared and stained with specific dyes.
4. Microscopic analysis: The slide is examined under a microscope to identify bacteria, fungi, or other pathogens responsible for the infection.

This method enables reliable diagnostic results to be obtained quickly, improving therapeutic decision-making.

For such applications, the Cyto 22 centrifuge from Ortoalresa is a highly recommended option, thanks to its compatibility with rotors for tubes, microtubes, or plates, and its design specifically suited for cytological and microbiological applications.