The QIAsymphony SP processes a sample containing magnetic particles as follows: A magnetic rod protected by a rod cover enters a well containing the sample and attracts the magnetic particles. The magnetic rod cover is positioned above another well and the magnetic particles are released. The QIAsymphony SP uses a magnetic head containing an array of 24 magnetic rods, and can therefore process up to 24 samples simultaneously. Steps 1 and 2 are repeated several times during sample processing.