Abstract: Magnetic separation apparatus and methods for separating colloidal magnetic particles from a non-magnetic test medium in which the magnetic particles are suspended. The separator comprises a container holding the non-magnetic test medium, one or more magnetic wires disposed substantially within the test medium in the container and an external magnet for producing a magnetic field gradient within the test medium. According to the method of the invention, the container holding the test medium is positioned in the separator, producing a magnetic field gradient operative to cause the magnetic particles to be attracted to the areas surrounding the magnetized wires and to adhere to the wires. The non-magnetic test medium is separated from the magnetized particles, which may conveniently be washed while adhered to the wires, and subjected to further analysis, preferably while on the wires.

Abstract: A magnetic separator for separating magnetic particles from a non-magnetic test medium is disclosed herein. The magnetic separator includes a non-magnetic container having a peripheral wall with an internal surface area for receiving the test medium, and magnetic means for generating a magnetic field gradient within the container in which the magetic field is stronger in the test medium along the internal surface area of the peripheral wall than in the medium most distant from the wall.

Abstract: Colloidal particles are converted into magnetic microagglomerates via manipulation of their colloidal properties, thereby facilitating their separation from solution.

Abstract: A test system and procedure for quantitatively assaying biological material for a target immunological substance by means of immunochemical binding of immune complexes, comprising the target substance and its immunospecific conjugate, to insolubilized non-immunospecific factor, such as Clq. A sample of biological material suspected of containing the target substance is introduced into the test system including pre-determined amounts of the target substance and its immunospecific conjugate forming immune complexes having a known degree of chemical binding to the non-immunospecific factor. The amount of target substance present in the test sample is determined according to the deviation from the known degree of immunochemical binding caused by the addition of the sample to the test system, by reference to a standard curve.

Abstract: A magnetic-polymer particle, useful in immunoassay techniques and various other biological/medical applications is produced by coprecipitation of transition metals in the presence of a polymer having available coordination sites. These particles are capable of forming stable aqueous suspensions and may be easily resuspended after agglomeration.