A low-cost, open-source centrifuge adaptor for separating large volume clinical blood samples

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Clinical Diagnostics
• Medical Device Innovation

Background:

• Blood plasma separation is essential for analyzing low-abundance biomarkers in biomedical assays.
• Existing high-capacity centrifuges are expensive and non-portable, limiting use in resource-poor settings.
• Low-cost micro-centrifuges cannot process typical clinical blood volumes (2-10mL).

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a low-cost, adaptable centrifugation solution for processing large clinical blood samples in resource-limited environments.
• To overcome the limitations of existing micro-centrifuges for handling clinical blood volumes.
• To provide a CE-marked alternative for immediate post-collection blood processing.

Main Methods:

• Customization of a commercially available low-cost micro-centrifuge rotor using 3D printing technology.
• Design and implementation of a 3D-printed adaptor capable of holding two 9 mL S-Monovette tubes.
• Comparative analysis of separation performance (yield, cell count, hemolysis, albumin levels) against a standard benchtop refrigerated centrifuge.

Main Results:

• The 3D-printed adaptor achieved comparable plasma separation performance to a high-capacity refrigerated centrifuge.
• The system demonstrated superior platelet separation, outperforming the control by at least four times.
• The customized adaptor costs approximately $15, significantly reducing the cost barrier.

Conclusions:

• A low-cost, 3D-printed adaptor system effectively enables micro-centrifuges to process large clinical blood volumes.
• This open-source centrifugation solution offers a viable alternative for low-resource settings requiring immediate blood sample processing.
• The system enhances accessibility to essential diagnostic testing by providing affordable and effective plasma separation.