Abstract: A magnetic particle separator (200) for use with a microplate (214) in methods employing magnetic particles, said magnetic particle separator (200)comprising a plurality of magnets (204) secured to a base plate (202) by a plurality of spacers (206), wherein the first ends of said plurality of spacers (206a) are secured to the base plate and the second ends of said plurality of spacers (206b) are secured to said plurality of magnets (204) and whereby said plurality of magnets (204) are separated from said base plate (202) by a distance of at least 15 mm. A magnetic particle separation system (900) comprising a magnetic particle separator (200) and a microplate (214) are also disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of using the magnetic particle separator (200) and magnetic particle separation system (900) to separate magnetic particles and bound antibodies.