Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus for separating a biological entity from a sample volume is provided. The apparatus includes an input chamber including an inlet configured to receive the volume sample, and an outlet, at least one magnetic element adjacent a portion of the input chamber, the magnetic element configured to provide a magnetic field in a vicinity of the portion of the input chamber to trap at least some leukocytes from the sample volume, and a filter in fluid communication with the outlet, the filter configured to separate the biological entity. According to further embodiments of the present invention, a method for separating a biological entity from a sample volume is also provided.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a microfilter is provided. The microfilter includes a first porous layer and a second porous layer arranged one over the other, wherein the first porous layer includes a plurality of first pores defined through the first porous layer, wherein the second porous layer includes a plurality of second pores defined through the second porous layer, and wherein one or more respective second pores are arranged to at least substantially overlap with each respective first pore such that a respective opening defined between a perimeter of the each respective first pore and a perimeter of each of the one or more respective second pores is smaller than a diameter of each first pore. According to further embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus for separating a biological entity from a sample volume is also provided.