A magnetic separation device

The present invention relates to a magnetic separation device 1 for separating magnetic particles 15 from a liquid 14 in which they are suspended. The magnetic particles will generally have a target substance bonded thereto. The magnetic separation device comprises a chamber 4 having an opening therein. A nozzle 6 may be formed on the chamber with the opening being disposed in the end of the nozzle. The device is arranged to draw liquid into the chamber and expel liquid from the chamber through the opening, by means of, for example, a piston 2 or a vacuum line. The chamber contains a means 8 for separating magnetic particles suspended in the liquid from the liquid, said means comprising a magnetisable element. The magnetisable element may be, for example, a matrix of magnetic spheres. A magnetic separation apparatus 18 comprises a plurality of such magnetic separation devices, and may be automatically operated by an electronic means. A pipette tip 35 is also provided that contains a means 37 for separating magnetic particles suspended in a liquid from the liquid. The means comprises a magnetisable element. Liquid is drawn into and expelled from the pipette tip via an opening in the tip.