Magnetic separation assembly and method

摘要

Provided are a magnetic particle separation assembly and method for separating a magnetically responsive complex from a non-magnetic test media in which the magnetically responsive complex is suspended. The assembly comprises an invertible rack for holding specimen containers and a magnetic support member for supporting the rack. The magnetic support member has a base and a planar member bisecting the base and extending upwardly therefrom. The planar vertical member has a plurality of magnets embedded therein. The magnets are disposed in a substantially horizontal orientation parallel to the base and spaced from the base. The invertible rack has a slot therethrough dimensioned to accept the planar vertical member of the magnetic support member. In one position, at least one container of a particular size is positioned within the rack so as to be adjacent to the magnetic support member in final assembly such that the magnetically responsive complex is separated from the non-magnetic media. In a second position in which the rack is inverted with respect to the support member, at least one other container of a different size is positioned within the rack in order to accomplish a similar separation result.