What is the purpose of a centrifuge in the laboratory?

The purpose of a centrifuge in the laboratory is to separate components based on density, which is a key process in many scientific and medical applications. When a sample is placed in a centrifuge and spun at high speeds, the centrifugal force causes denser components to move outward to the bottom of the container, while less dense components remain closer to the top. This allows for the effective separation of substances, such as blood components (red blood cells, plasma, and white blood cells) in hematology, or various cellular components in cell biology research.

This separation is crucial for numerous laboratory procedures, including preparing samples for analysis, isolating cells for culture, or concentrating certain substances from a mixture. Each of the other options presented does not accurately describe the primary function of a centrifuge. For example, sterilization requires methods such as autoclaving or chemical treatment, measuring blood pressure involves sphygmomanometers, and mixing reagents typically uses devices like vortex mixers or magnetic stirrers. Thus, using a centrifuge is specifically linked to the separation process based on density, making it an essential tool in laboratory settings.