Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for attaching, detecting and retrieving a single cell on a manipulation medium comprising the steps of: attaching the single cell onto the manipulation medium by applying a carrier liquid; partially drying out the carrier liquid; detecting a property of the single cell by rotating the manipulation medium and scanning a light beam over the manipulation medium; loosening the single cell from the manipulation medium without damaging the single cell by manipulating the single cell with an instrument; and retrieving the single cell from the manipulation medium by aspirating the single cell into a tube, wherein the carrier liquid is dried out to a degree corresponding to that the single cell does not move during the rotation of the manipulation medium and that the single cell can be loosened by the instrument without damaging the single cell. The disclosure further relates to an apparatus for detection and manipulation of one or more object(s).