Magnetic Bead Separation

**Semantic type:** Research Activity

**Definition:** 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.

**Synonyms:** - Magnetic Bead Technology