Medical Assistant Certification (MAC) AMCA Practice Exam

What type of equipment is used to separate liquids into their different parts?

1. Refrigerator

2. Microscope

3. Centrifuge

4. Autoclave

The correct answer is: Centrifuge

The correct answer is a centrifuge, which is specifically designed to separate components of liquids based on their density. This separation is achieved through the process of centrifugation, where the sample is spun at high speeds, causing denser substances to move outward and settle at the bottom of the container, while less dense substances remain closer to the top. This is particularly useful in laboratory settings for tasks such as blood testing or separating cellular components from plasma. Other equipment mentioned in the choices serve different purposes. A refrigerator is used for cooling and preserving samples but does not facilitate separation. A microscope is an optical instrument that allows for the detailed observation of small samples, enabling the examination of their physical structure but does not separate liquids. An autoclave is utilized for sterilization, employing high-pressure steam to eliminate microorganisms, which is essential for maintaining a sterile environment but unrelated to the separation of liquids. Thus, the centrifuge stands out as the equipment specifically tailored for the task of liquid separation.