An electrically-powered device intended to be used mainly in the clinical laboratory to centrifuge small sample volumes (typically from 0.25 to 2.2 ml) through centrifugal force. It is typically a compact stationary structure with an electric motor, a rotor, a shaft, and speed and time controls. It may include a vortex mixing function and/or refrigerating capabilities to keep cool the rotor chamber or to perform temperature sensitive procedures. The device is intended to spin down microorganisms, cells, precipitates, or reagent solutions prior to subsequent in vitro diagnostic procedures; it may also sediment viruses and cellular organelles.