lysis-centrifugation

lysis-centrifugation

A technique for detecting microorganisms in a specimen of body fluid, in which the cells in the fluid are mixed in a tube, and then allowed to stand (usually for an hour) to allow its cellular components to break down. After cellular breakdown (“lysis”) the tube is centrifuged to concentrate its sediment. The sediment is subsequently spread on culture media.

Lysis-centrifugation is used to detect bacteria, fungi, mycobacteria, and other microorganisms in blood or body fluids.