Patent ID: 6482328
Filing Date: 2002-11-19
Classification: B03C

Abstract:
A method of magnetically separating target particles of a selected type from a sample in order to produce a concentration of the target particles in the sample, or a depletion of the sample with respect to the target particles, comprising:producing a sample mixture of said sample with magnetic particles having a selective affinity to magnetically stain said target particles; producing a flow of a buffer liquid through a tube which includes an inlet connectable to a source of buffer liquid, and an outlet for the buffer liquid; after a flow of said buffer liquid has been produced through said tube, introducing said sample mixture into the buffer liquid flowing through said tube such that the buffer liquid forms a continuous liquid carrier for said sample mixture as both are fed through said tube; and applying a magnetic field across said tube at a magnetizing station therein to cause the magnetically-stained target particles to be separated and retained in the buffer liquid within the tube at the magnetizing station.