This document specifies characteristics to be measured of magnetic beads in suspension and powder forms for nucleic acid extraction applications. This document deals with magnetic beads that contain a substantial amount of magnetic nanoparticles (which can be superparamagnetic). Potential applicable measurement methods are listed for the individual characteristics. Specifically, this document lists critical characteristics of magnetic beads and suspensions, and additional characteristics to describe the magnetic beads and the suspension for nucleic acid extraction.

Health, safety and environmental aspects of magnetic beads are not within the scope of this document.