Vortex-Genie Laboratory Vortex Mixers

Vortex-Genie Laboratory Vortex Mixers

Versatile Vortex Mixing for Routine, Timed, Digital and Pulsed Laboratory Applications

The Scientific Industries Vortex-Genie family provides reliable vortex mixing for test tubes, microtubes, flasks, beakers, microplates and other laboratory vessels. Depending on the selected model, users can perform simple touch-activated mixing, continuous hands-free vortexing, timed mixing, digitally controlled protocols or programmable pulse mixing.

These compact vortex mixers are well suited to research, clinical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, microbiology, chemistry, food-testing and educational laboratories. Their weighted metal housings help keep the instruments stable during vigorous operation, while the broad selection of interchangeable attachments allows one mixer to accommodate many common laboratory containers.

The available configurations include the classic Vortex-Genie 2, the timed Vortex-Genie 2T, the Digital Vortex-Genie 2, the specialized ABI Digital Vortex-Genie 2 for microplate protocols and the programmable Vortex-Genie Pulse. Selecting the appropriate model depends mainly on whether the application requires manual operation, automatic timing, digital repeatability, microplate compatibility or interval-based pulsing.

Vortex-Genie Model Selection

Vortex-Genie 2

The Vortex-Genie 2 is the traditional variable-speed model for general laboratory mixing. It provides both touch-activated and continuous hands-free operation, allowing users to mix one tube at a time or operate compatible attachments without continuously holding the vessel.

Its adjustable 600 to 3200 rpm speed range supports everything from gentle sample agitation to vigorous vortex formation. The unit is supplied with a pop-off cup for individual tubes and a 3-inch platform for larger vessels or multiple samples.

Vortex-Genie 2T

The Vortex-Genie 2T combines the mechanical controls of the Vortex-Genie 2 with an integrated timer. Touch operation can be programmed from 1 to 60 seconds, while hands-free operation can be set from 1 to 60 minutes or run continuously.

The mixer stops automatically when the programmed interval ends, helping laboratories apply the same mixing duration from one operator or batch to the next. The manufacturer specifies timer accuracy of approximately ±5%.

Digital Vortex-Genie 2

The Digital Vortex-Genie 2 provides electronic control and a digital display for both speed and mixing time. This configuration is particularly useful for protocols that require repeatable settings to be recorded and reproduced across multiple samples or operators.

Its speed can be adjusted from 500 to 3000 rpm. Touch-mode timing is available from 1 to 99 seconds, while hands-free operation can be programmed from 1 to 99 minutes or operated continuously.

ABI Digital Vortex-Genie 2

The ABI Digital Vortex-Genie 2 is a specialized version configured for Applied Biosystems microplate procedures and dye-terminator purification workflows. It includes a microplate adapter and elastic retaining bands designed to secure 96-well and 384-well plates during vortex mixing.

This model retains the digital speed and timer functions of the Digital Vortex-Genie 2, including a 500 to 3000 rpm speed range and touch or hands-free operation. Unlike the standard Digital Vortex-Genie 2 package, the ABI configuration does not normally include the pop-off cup or 3-inch platform.

Vortex-Genie Pulse

The Vortex-Genie Pulse adds programmable start-and-stop mixing to conventional continuous vortexing. During pulse operation, alternating run and rest intervals create repeated sample collisions and changing fluid motion, which can improve agitation of difficult, heterogeneous or relatively viscous samples.

Run and rest intervals can be programmed from 0.1 seconds to 99 minutes. The rest period may also help limit heat accumulation while keeping material suspended during extended mixing procedures. Five preset programs can be stored for frequently repeated protocols.

Common Laboratory Applications

• Resuspending cells, pellets, powders and settled particles
• Mixing reagents, buffers, stains and analytical solutions
• Preparing microbiology and molecular biology samples
• Agitating clinical, diagnostic and research specimens
• Mixing samples in microcentrifuge tubes, test tubes and centrifuge tubes
• Vortexing beakers, flasks, bottles and other compatible vessels
• Processing 96-well or 384-well microplates with the appropriate adapter
• Applying standardized timed mixing procedures
• Performing interval mixing for heat-sensitive or difficult samples

Operating Features

Touch and Hands-Free Mixing

Compatible models allow operators to press a tube or vessel against the cup head for immediate touch-activated mixing. Continuous mode keeps the mixer operating without constant pressure, which is useful when working with platforms, tube holders or other multi-sample attachments.

Variable Mixing Intensity

Adjustable speed control allows the same instrument to produce gentle shaking, moderate agitation or a strong vortex. The ideal setting depends on vessel size, sample volume, viscosity and the attachment being used.

Stable Metal Construction

Each mixer uses a durable metal housing and weighs approximately 4 kg. The combination of weight and a compact footprint helps the unit remain stable during vigorous vortexing and reduces movement across the laboratory bench.

Interchangeable Attachments

The Vortex-Genie platform supports a wide selection of optional accessories for tubes, microtubes, microplates, ampules, beakers and flasks. Available accessories include horizontal and vertical tube holders, microplate inserts, foam racks, recessed platforms, large-vessel attachments and multi-sample starter sets.

Use in Controlled Laboratory Environments

The Vortex-Genie 2, Vortex-Genie 2T and Digital Vortex-Genie 2 are suitable for operation in cold rooms and incubators when used within the environmental limits stated in the applicable instruction manual.

Note: Available voltage, frequency and plug configurations vary by country. Maximum speed may be lower on certain 50 Hz versions. Confirm the complete catalog number and included attachments before ordering.

Available Attachments and Accessories

• Pop-off cup for individual tubes
• 3-inch platform with rubber cover
• 6-inch platform
• Recessed platform
• Microtube foam inserts
• Microplate foam inserts
• Two-tier microplate insert
• Horizontal microtube holders
• Horizontal 15 mL and 50 mL tube holders
• Vertical high-speed tube holders
• Large and small ampule or tube attachments
• Foam inserts for multiple tube diameters
• Multiple Sample Starter Set
• Large Sample Set

Attachment compatibility and maximum operating speed can vary. Follow the instructions supplied with the selected accessory and make sure that all vessels are balanced and securely retained before starting the mixer.

Q&A

What is the difference between the Vortex-Genie 2 and Vortex-Genie 2T?

The Vortex-Genie 2 provides variable-speed touch or continuous mixing without an automatic timer. The Vortex-Genie 2T adds programmable timing from 1 to 60 seconds in touch mode and from 1 to 60 minutes in hands-free mode.

What is the difference between the Vortex-Genie 2T and Digital Vortex-Genie 2?

The Vortex-Genie 2T uses conventional controls and offers timing up to 60 seconds or 60 minutes. The Digital Vortex-Genie 2 electronically displays both speed and time, provides a wider 1-to-99 timing range and makes exact settings easier to document and repeat.

Which Vortex-Genie is best for routine laboratory tube mixing?

The standard Vortex-Genie 2 is generally the most practical choice for routine tube mixing when digital documentation or automated timing is not required. It provides variable speed, touch activation, continuous operation and compatibility with a wide selection of attachments.

Which Vortex-Genie model is best for repeatable protocols?

The Digital Vortex-Genie 2 is preferable when the same speed and mixing time must be reproduced across multiple runs. Its digital controls allow operators to set and document both parameters more precisely than with an analog control.

What is the Vortex-Genie Pulse used for?

The Vortex-Genie Pulse is intended for procedures that benefit from alternating mixing and rest periods. Pulsing increases changes in sample motion and collisions, while the rest interval may reduce heat buildup during longer or more demanding mixing procedures.

Can a Vortex-Genie mix microplates?

Yes. Standard Vortex-Genie models can mix microplates when fitted with an appropriate platform or microplate attachment. The ABI Digital Vortex-Genie 2 is supplied specifically for 96-well and 384-well microplate protocols.

Can the Vortex-Genie mix more than one tube at a time?

Yes. Optional horizontal holders, vertical holders, foam inserts and multi-sample platforms allow multiple tubes or microtubes to be processed simultaneously. Capacity depends on the selected attachment and vessel dimensions.

Can the Vortex-Genie be used with beakers and flasks?

Yes. The 3-inch platform and optional large-vessel attachments can accommodate many beakers, flasks and other containers. The vessel must fit securely, remain balanced and stay within the limits of the attachment.

Does the Vortex-Genie move across the bench during operation?

The approximately 4 kg metal housing is designed to provide a stable operating base. Proper placement on a clean, level surface and balanced loading remain important, particularly during high-speed operation.

Can Vortex-Genie mixers be used in a cold room or incubator?

Several Vortex-Genie models are approved by the manufacturer for use in cold rooms and incubators within their stated environmental limits. The applicable operating manual should be checked before placing the mixer in a temperature-controlled enclosure.

How should a Vortex-Genie be cleaned?

Disconnect the mixer from electrical power before cleaning. Wipe the exterior and removable attachments with a suitable laboratory cleaning solution, following the manual and the chemical-compatibility requirements of the materials involved. Do not immerse the base unit in liquid.