Abstract: A single-use device that produces a readily interpretable, visual presentation of biomaterial, enabling single parameter and multi-parameter characterizing of said biomaterial by means of visual inspection, particularly for immunophenotyping. In one embodiment, the device uses antibody coated microspheres which are adapted to bind to specific types of cells. An arrangement of uniquely molded components, which may be plastic or other suitable material, are assembled so as to provide a sequential procedure capable of incubating a suspension comprised of antibody coated microspheres, biomaterial, and liquid suspension agents. Following incubation, the invention further removes liquids from said suspension, and provides for rinsing the incubated retentate and for removing said rinsing liquids from the incubated retentate. The invention further provides for affixing the incubated retentate onto a standard glass microscope slide to enable phenotyping of incubated biomaterial (e.g.

Abstract: A method of single parameter and multiparameter characterizing of cells, particularly immunophenotyping of cells, is provided. The method preferably uses antibody coated microspheres which are adapted to bind to specific types of cells. One or more sets of coated microspheres are added simultaneously or sequentially to a suspension of cells and bind the cells they are adapted to bind. Cells may bind to one or more microspheres. The suspension is then filtered to trap bead-cell complexes. The complexes are preferably stained and then examined to characterize the cells, preferably the cells bound to the microspheres. A kit and apparatus for performing the method are also provided.