MAGNETIC SEPARATION APPARATUS AND METHODS

Apparatuses and methods for separating, immobilizing, and quantifying biological substances from within a fluid medium. Biological substances are observed by emptying a vessel (6) having a chamber therein, t he vessel comprising a transparent collection wall (5). A high internal gradient magnetic capture structure may be on the transparent collection wall (5), magnets (3) create an externally-applied force for transporting magnetically responsive material toward the transpare nt collection wall (5). The magnetic capture structure comprises a plurality of ferromagnetic members and has a uniform or non-nonuniform spacing between adjacent members. There may be electrical conductor means supported on the transparent collection wall (5) for enablin g electrical manipulation of the biological substances. The chamber has one compartment or a plurality of compartments with differing heights. The chamber may include a porous wall. The invention is also useful in conducting quantitative analysis and sample preparation in conjunction with automated cell enumeration techniques.