Simple Microcentrifuge for Use in the Field.

A novel, simply made, hand-powered microcentrifuge has been developed for use in the field. It handles as many as eight samples simultaneously. The principal materials are sheet nylon, polyester cord, and polyethylene tubing. Maximum speed of the centrifuge is 10,000 revolutions per minute; maximum radial acceleration, 8400g. Among other uses, the centrifuge serves to obtain plasma for immunoelectrophoresis and flocculation and agglutination tests and for determination of plasma cholinesterase and total solids (refractometrically). Hematocrit values may be obtained and blood parasites concentrated.