A bucket insert (120) for use in a centrifuge (110) is disclosed. The bucket insert (120) comprises an insert body (138), the insert body (138) comprising a plurality of elongated receptacles (122) for receiving elongated sample vessels (124). The bucket insert (120) is configured for orienting the elongated sample vessels (124) in a tilted orientation. In the tilted orientation at least some of the elongated sample vessels (124) are oriented in a non-parallel fashion.