The means according to the invention for separating particles from a composition comprises an elongated protective cover (1) that includes a recess (2) extending from the upper end towards the lower end thereof, the recess comprising a movable magnetic rod (4). The proportion of the length to the thickness of the movable magnetic rod is at least about 2:1 and preferably at least about 3:1.

The movable rod 4 is provided with a ferromagnetic arm 6 at the lower end and a vertical rod magnet 5 as an extension of the ferromagnetic arm 6. Gripping knob 7 is also provided at the upper end of the movable magnetic rod 4. In order to facilitate easy operation, the lower ends of protective cover 1' are tapered so that particles can be collected directly on the tip 8' when the movable rod is moved up. The upper end of protective cover 1' is provided with a gripping portion 3' with two flanges which enables easy control of the device in automatic separation or analysis devices, for instance.

Generally, the movable rod is preferably made of a material that has excellent conductive properties such as stainless steel, titanium, or nitinol. The magnetic rod can be used for a wide range of applications including the transfer, lysis, and washing of samples.

To obtain an optimal performance, the movable rod is ideally positioned so that the particles are separated at a point where the intensity of the magnetic field is highest. In order to achieve this, the ferromagnetic arm of the magnetic rod is preferably inserted into the magnetic rod and a suitable junction is made between the ferromagnetic arm and the magnetic rod. This is preferably achieved by forming the junction so that the arm and the magnet come inside one another for a short length. This is a convenient and cost-effective method of forming the magnetic gradient that is necessary for the separation of particles.

There are many types of movable magnetic rods available on the market. The most common are neodymium, iron-boron, and Alnico rod magnets. These are characterized by their exceptionally high magnetic power and can be easily recessed into drilled holes.

They are usually used in a variety of applications such as medical diagnostics, chemical, and laboratory research. Typical applications include the transfer, lysis, and washing of cells, lipids, proteins, or other molecules.

In the pharmaceutical industry, a variety of rods are used for various applications. Some are designed for applications where the concentration of a substance is desired and can be dissolved by centrifuging, for example, while others are designed to be used in liquids and require no special handling or preparation.

Some movable rods are manufactured by injection moulding, a process that involves placing materials in a heated die. The resulting parts are then cured and can be shaped in any manner required. The shape can be circular or curved, a configuration that makes the moving mechanisms simpler.