Replacing the Discontinued Drucker 853VES with the DASH 12

The Model 853VES has become a reliable part of many routine laboratory workflows, but with the model now discontinued, it might be time to consider a replacement.

Drucker Diagnostics’ DASH 12 STAT centrifuge provides a familiar starting point, with added speed and RCF capabilities. For 853VES units equipped with either 12-place horizontal rotor, the DASH 12 maintains the 12-tube capacity and horizontal separation of the 853VES while fitting into the same bench space and supporting the routine chemistry, coagulation, and urine processing applications many labs rely on.

Should I Repair or Replace the 853VES?

A discontinued centrifuge doesn’t necessarily need to be replaced simply because it is no longer in production. If an 853VES is still reliable, serviceable, and meeting the laboratory’s needs, continuing to use it may make sense.

Replacement becomes more worth considering when:

• Parts or service are becoming difficult to obtain
• Reliability is declining
• Repairs are becoming more frequent
• Laboratory needs have changed
• The centrifuge no longer meets the RCF, capacity, or tube requirements of current procedures

RCF vs. RPM: What Changes When You Upgrade?

One of the most important considerations when transferring centrifugation protocols is the difference between RPM and RCF.

The DASH 12 reaches a maximum speed of 5,200 RPM and a maximum RCF of 4,000 xg. The 853VES reaches 4,000 RPM with a maximum RCF of 2,000 xg with 75 mm tubes or 2,400 xg with 100 mm tubes when using its standard 12-place horizontal rotor. Its Performance Plus rotor provides higher speed and RCF, reaching 5,000 RPM and a maximum RCF of up to 3,120 xg with 75 mm tubes and 3,760 xg with 100 mm tubes.

Because rotor radius varies between centrifuges, the same RPM setting does not necessarily produce the same force. When transferring a protocol to a new centrifuge, match the RCF rather than the RPM. RPM describes how quickly the rotor spins, while RCF, or relative centrifugal force, describes the force applied to the sample. The two are related by the radius of the rotor:

RCF = 1.118 × 10⁻⁵ × r × RPM²

When re-entering custom parameters on the DASH 12, use the RCF and spin time from the 853VES to determine the appropriate speed. Tube manufacturer instructions and published methods specify centrifugation force for this reason. If an SOP lists only RPM, the corresponding xg value from the 853VES documentation should be used when recreating the settings on the DASH 12.

For example, a spin parameter requiring 2,000 xg should not simply be recreated by transferring the RPM setting from the 853VES. Calculate or confirm the appropriate RPM for the DASH 12 based on its rotor radius and required RCF.

Even when the target RCF is within the new centrifuge’s range, perform a comparative validation study using the calculated RPM settings against a validated centrifuge to ensure samplepatient results are not affected by the change.

853VES vs. DASH 12

The DASH 12 maintains several of the characteristics that made the 853VES familiar to laboratory users, including 12-place horizontal centrifugation, while providing a higher maximum speed and RCF.

Capacity and Tube Compatibility

The Model 853VES accommodates 12 tubes up to 17 x 75 mm or 17 x 100 mm. The DASH 12 also accommodates 12 tubes and supports tubes up to 16 x 100 mm or 10 mL with its included carriers.

The DASH 12 comes ready to run with Drucker’s patented swing-out horizontal rotor and twelve 16 x 100 mm carbon fiber carriers. A separate adapter set is also available for 1 to 1.5 mL Microtainer tubes. The rotor holds tubes horizontally during centrifugation to provide horizontal separation similar to the 853VES.

One important consideration when upgrading is that rotors and carriers are specific to each model. Any accessories a lab plans to continue using should be confirmed with Drucker Diagnostics before making the switch.

Programmable Cycles

The Model 853VES is programmed entirely by the user and can store up to 10 custom presets, including run time, speed, and acceleration and deceleration rates. The DASH 12 also stores up to 10 cycles, but it comes ready to run with three preset cycles for common applications:

Interface and Controls

The Model 853VES features digital controls with separate speed and time displays, along with controls for setting RCF and storing and recalling programs.

The DASH 12 uses a similar digital display that allows operators to adjust cycle parameters as needed or select from programmed cycles. Custom cycles can be programmed and named for frequently used protocols.

During a run, the display shows the remaining spin time, while a QR code on the front panel provides quick access to manuals and support videos.

Size and Weight

The DASH 12 measures 13 x 15 x 9 in (33 x 38.1 x 22.9 cm) and weighs 34 lbs (13.7 kg). The Model 853VES measures 12.5 x 15.5 x 8.5 in and weighs 30 lbs.

Questions Before Upgrading

Before replacing an 853VES, review the centrifuge and procedures currently in use. A few questions can help determine what configuration the laboratory needs:

• Which 853VES rotor is being used? The replacement should be evaluated based on the specific rotor configuration, not just the centrifuge model.
• What tube sizes are used? Confirm that the replacement accommodates the tubes used in current procedures.
• How many tubes are processed per run? The DASH 12 maintains the 12-tube capacity of the 853VES.
• What RCF is required? Compare the required xg with the maximum RCF of the replacement centrifuge.
• Which saved programs need to move over? Review the time, speed, and other cycle parameters used in current procedures.
• Are new carriers or adapters needed? Existing accessories are specific to each model and should be confirmed before purchasing.

Answering these questions before making a switch can help identify compatibility issues before the new centrifuge arrives.

In Conclusion

Replacing a familiar centrifuge doesn’t have to mean rebuilding an entire workflow. The DASH 12 offers a practical path forward for labs transitioning away from the discontinued Model 853VES, with the same performance, 12-tube capacity, horizontal separation, and industry-leading support.

For labs currently using a discontinued Model 853VES, Drucker offers a risk-free 30-day evaluation program to see how the DASH 12 aligns with your current needs. Run your own samples and protocols, with no payment information required, before making a purchase.

To get started, contact our sales team at [email protected] or by phone at +1-866-265-1486, or review full specifications for the DASH 12.