Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Practice Exam

What does RPM refer to in a laboratory context?

1. Rounds per minute

2. Revolutions per minute

3. Relative pressure measurement

4. Rate per milliliter

The correct answer is: Revolutions per minute

In a laboratory context, RPM refers to "revolutions per minute." This measurement is commonly used in the operation of centrifuges, which are essential instruments in many laboratory settings. When a centrifuge spins, it does so at a specified speed measured in revolutions per minute, indicating how many times the rotor completes a full circle within one minute. This speed is crucial because it affects the separation of components in a sample based on their density. Knowing the RPM helps laboratory professionals to select the appropriate spinning speed for effectively separating substances, such as cells from plasma or different components of a mixture. Other options, while related to speed or measurements, do not accurately reflect what RPM signifies in this specific context. Rounds per minute could imply a more general context, such as in sports or machinery, and is not specific to laboratory usage. Relative pressure measurement does not pertain to rotational speed, and rate per milliliter does not fit the RPM framework as it implies a volumetric measurement rather than speed. Hence, "revolutions per minute" is the correct and relevant term in the realm of laboratory processes involving rotational motion.