What is the primary purpose of a clinical centrifuge?

The primary purpose of a clinical centrifuge is to separate a specimen into different components. This device works by spinning samples at high speeds, which creates a force that separates substances based on their density. For example, in blood samples, components such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma can be separated for various tests. This separation is crucial for accurate diagnosis, as it allows healthcare providers to analyze each component individually and obtain better insight into a patient's health.

Mixing solutions, sterilization of specimens, and heating samples are related processes but are not the central function of a centrifuge. Mixing solutions generally requires different equipment, while sterilization may involve autoclaves or chemical agents. Heating samples typically involves incubators or water baths. Thus, the distinction lies in the specific function of separation that the clinical centrifuge uniquely provides.