Method for transferring a target between locations

A method for transferring a target from a first fluid at a first location to a second location, the target being bound to a solid phase substrate to form a target bound solid phase substrate, comprising:

• forming a non-concave meniscus with the first fluid;
• providing a transfer device with a lower transfer surface and an upper surface;
• positioning a transfer region of the lower transfer surface of the transfer device in axial alignment with and in spaced relation to the non-concave meniscus so as to provide a non-liquid air gap therebetween;
• generating a force adjacent to the upper surface of the transfer device that is sufficient to attract the target bound solid phase substrate toward the transfer region;
• drawing the target bound solid phase substrate from the first fluid, through the non-liquid air gap, and to the transfer region of the transfer device with the force;
• maintaining the target bound solid phase substrate adjacent to the transfer region of the transfer device with the force;
• aligning the transfer region with the second location, spaced from the first location;
• reducing the force on the target bound solid phase substrate such that the force is insufficient to maintain the target bound solid phase substrate adjacent to the transfer region of the transfer device so as to release the target bound solid phase substrate from the transfer region of the transfer device and allow the target bound solid phase substrate to pass to the second location.