Definition of Unspun in Medical Terminology

In medical terminology, "unspun" is an adjective that can be used to describe a sample that has not been centrifuged.

History

• The modern centrifuge, used often in scientific research and medical practice, was first developed as a milk separator by Swedish inventor Gustaf de Laval. A laboratory centrifuge separates a mixture or suspension into its heavier and lighter component parts by spinning rapidly (using centrifugal force). This process is often referred to as "spinning down" a sample.

Applications

• In some cases, "unspun" laboratory samples are preferable for analysis to centrifuged substances. Specifically, unspun urine may be analyzed to help assess urinary tract or kidney-related diseases. Unspun amniotic fluid samples can be evaluated to aid in the diagnosis of health problems in fetuses and newborns.

Alternate Usage

• "Unspun" may also refer to fibers, such as polyester, that have not been woven. This would qualify as medical terminology only in that some unspun fibers have been incorporated into prosthetic research. Some researchers believe these fibers could be used to connect muscles to prostheses.