Automated method for direct sampling of immune cells from whole blood or other biological samples in microwell plates

A flow cytometer, comprising:

• a robotic sampling probe;
• a shaker having a top surface;
• a magnetic adapter configured to be placed on the top surface of the shaker, the magnetic adapter having one or more features for holding a microwell plate placed thereon, the microwell plate having a plurality of wells with biological fluid sample, wherein the magnetic adapter cooperates with structures on the shaker so as to be removably fitted to the top surface of the shaker, wherein the magnetic adapter comprises a structure holding one or more magnets, and wherein the magnetic adapter is configured to be sandwiched between the shaker and the microwell plate;
• a control system configured for shaking the shaker with the microwell plate in a manner and for a time period so as to suspend substantially evenly immune cells within a region of the well of the microwell plate, wherein the immune cells in the region of the well are substantially isolated from red blood cells magnetically bound to a wall of the well;
• and
• analytical instrumentation for conducting one or more measurements on immune cells withdrawn from the well of the microwell plate, wherein the probe withdraws the immune cells from the well and introduces the immune cells into the instrumentation.