Methods for isolating a target analyte from a heterogenous sample

A method for isolating pathogen from a heterogeneous sample, the method comprising:

• providing a vessel that contains a heterogeneous sample comprising pathogen, the vessel being coupled to a fluidic device that comprises a channel and a magnet;
• introducing to the sample in the vessel a cocktail comprising a plurality of magnetic particles, conjugated to target-specific binding moieties that bind said pathogen, thereby forming a mixture comprising pathogen/magnetic particle complexes;
• flowing the mixture from the vessel into the fluidic device and through a channel in the fluidic device such that said complexes are held in place by the magnet;
• and
• separating antibody-bound pathogen being held by the magnet from other components in the sample.