Which practice would be considered unsafe during centrifugation?

• A. Balancing rotor
• B. Opening the rotor while spinning
• C. Ensuring tubes are capped
• D. Checking speed and time

Answer: (B)

Opening the rotor while it is spinning is unsafe because the high-speed rotation inside the centrifuge can propel tubes, caps, or rotor components outward if the chamber is opened. This poses a serious risk of physical injury from flying parts and exposure to potentially hazardous samples. The equipment is designed so that access is allowed only after the rotor has fully stopped and the lid interlock is released, ensuring a safe state before any handling.

Other safe practices reinforce proper operation: balancing the rotor prevents excessive vibration and mechanical failure; ensuring tubes are capped minimizes spills and aerosol generation; checking speed and time ensures you run the correct conditions without over- or under-processing, protecting both the equipment and the samples.