GuideDiagnostic Laboratory Methods

Magnetic Bead Separation

A cell-separation technique where magnetizable microspheres or beads are first coated with monoclonal antibody, allowed to search and bind to target cells, and are then selectively removed when passed through a magnetic field. Among other applications, the technique is commonly used to remove tumor cells from the marrow of patients who are to undergo autologous bone marrow transplantation.

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Updated
2026-10-18
Author
National Cancer Institute (source definition)
Reviewer
Automated source check (NCI definition)

What it is

A cell-separation technique where magnetizable microspheres or beads are first coated with monoclonal antibody, allowed to search and bind to target cells, and are then selectively removed when passed through a magnetic field. Among other applications, the technique is commonly used to remove tumor cells from the marrow of patients who are to undergo autologous bone marrow transplantation.

Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C19304. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0.

Source identity and definition checked automatically on 2026-10-18. No individual clinical interpretation or human reviewer is asserted.

Compliance note

Reference intervals and interpretation depend on the laboratory, specimen, method and clinical context. This source definition is educational information; it does not establish a diagnosis, product approval or suitability for an individual.