Magnetic cell isolation techniques

A magnetic cell isolation holder, comprising:

• a body configured to be removably coupled to the magnetic field generator, the body comprising a first passage configured to be positioned within a magnetic field of the magnetic field generator at a first location when the holder is coupled to the magnetic field generator and a second passage configured to be positioned within the magnetic field at a second location when the holder is coupled to the magnetic field generator,
• wherein:
• the first passage experiences a first magnetic field strength and a first magnetic field gradient within the magnetic field generated under the magnetic field parameters at the first location;
• and
• the second passage experiences a second magnetic field strength and a second magnetic field gradient within the magnetic field under the magnetic field parameters at the second location, and wherein the second magnetic field strength is different than the first magnetic field strength or the second magnetic field gradient is different than the first magnetic field gradient, or a combination thereof.

A system, comprising:

• a first kit comprising:
• a plurality of first size beads;
• and
• a first holder comprising a first passage configured to receive the plurality of first size beads, the first passage positioned within the first holder such that, when the first holder is removably coupled to a magnetic field generator generating a magnetic field, the first holder is positioned within the magnetic field at a first location;
• and
• a second kit comprising:
• a plurality of second size beads;
• and
• a second holder comprising a second passage configured to receive the plurality of second size beads, the second passage positioned within the second holder such that, when the second holder is removably coupled to the magnetic field generator generating the magnetic field, the second holder is positioned within the magnetic field at a second location different than the first location;
• wherein:
• the first passage experiences a first magnetic field strength and a first magnetic field gradient within the magnetic field at the first location;
• and
• the second passage experiences a second magnetic field strength and a second magnetic field gradient within the magnetic field at the second location, and wherein the second magnetic field strength is different than the first magnetic field strength or the second magnetic field gradient is different than the first magnetic field gradient, or a combination thereof.

A method for isolating target cells, comprising:

• positioning a first holder having a first passage within a receiving area of a frame coupled to a magnetic field generator;
• generating a first magnetic field in the receiving area by the magnetic field generator when the first holder is coupled to the magnetic field generator to cause the first passage to experience a first magnetic field strength, a first magnetic field gradient, or both;
• positioning a second holder having a second passage within the receiving area, wherein the first passage and the second passage are positioned at different locations within the receiving area;
• and
• generating a second magnetic field in the receiving area by the magnetic field generator when the second holder is coupled to the magnetic field generator to cause the second passage to experience a second magnetic field strength, a second magnetic field gradient, or both.