EasySep™ magnets for immunomagnetic cell isolation are available in a range of sizes, providing researchers flexibility to process different sample volumes and cell numbers. The process for collecting the supernatant will depend on the specific magnet. This tech tip describes different techniques and important technical tips for using each EasySep™ magnet. Depending on the magnet used, the supernatant is either “poured off” or “pipetted off”. The table below indicates the correct technique to collect the supernatant from each magnet.

Pour Off with EasySep™ Magnet and "The Big Easy" EasySep™ Magnet

Follow the steps below to collect or discard the supernatant when using the EasySep™ Magnet (Catalog #18000) and "The Big Easy" EasySep™ Magnet (Catalog #18001).

1. In a continuous motion, invert the magnet containing the sample tube 180° to pour off the supernatant.
2. Leave the magnet and tube inverted for 2 - 3 seconds, then return upright.
3. Do not shake or blot off any drops that may remain hanging from the mouth of the tube.

Review the video tutorials below for further details.

Pipetting Off with Easy 50 EasySep™ Magnet and EasyEights™ EasySep™ Magnet

Follow the steps below to collect or discard the supernatant when using the Easy 50 EasySep™ Magnet (Catalog #18002) or the EasyEights™ EasySep™ Magnet (Catalog #18103).

1. Make sure the tube is fully seated in the indentation and is flat against the side of the magnet.
2. Choose the appropriate size of serological pipette that will allow you to collect the full volume of supernatant in one single motion:
   1. For the EasyEights™ EasySep™ Magnet, use 2 mL or 10 mL serological pipettes for the 5 mL and 14 mL tubes, respectively.
   2. For the Easy 50 EasySep™ Magnet, use a 25 or 50 mL pipette.
3. Keep the tip of the pipette just below the liquid surface while aspirating the sample.
4. Do not disturb the particles on the magnet side of the tube.

Review the video tutorials below for further details.

Pipetting Off with EasyPlate™ EasySep™ Magnet

Follow the steps below to collect and discard the supernatant when using the EasyPlate™ EasySep™ Magnet (Catalog #18102).

1. Ensure the 96-well plate sits securely on the EasyPlate™ magnet.
2. Carefully tilt the plate and magnet together at a 45° angle.
3. Use a multichannel pipette to carefully collect the supernatant out of each well. Do not touch the bottom of the well with the pipette tips.

Watch the video tutorials below for further details.

Pipetting Off with Easy 250 EasySep™ Magnet

Follow the steps below to collect or discard the supernatant when using the Easy 250 EasySep™ Magnet (Catalog #100-0821).

1. To collect the supernatant, place a finger on the flask shoulder to stabilize it.
2. Maximize supernatant recovery by first aspirating it with a 25 mL serological pipette. To do so, vertically insert the pipette to draw from the center of the flask. Start aspirating from just below the surface of the sample and move down in a sweeping motion along the midline of the flask without touching the sides.
3. Once the bulk of the volume is taken out, switch to a smaller serological pipette to draw up the residual volume.
4. Once the residual volume is aspirated out, cap the T-75 cm² flask and then push the spring side of the magnet so that the original flask can be retrieved.

Watch the videos below for further details on how to use the Easy250 EasySep™ Magnet.