An apparatus, system, and method for magnetic separation of cells are disclosed. By combining inkjet printing technology and magnetic labeling of cells, accurate cell counts are obtained using an optical microscope. Mouse CD4+ lymphocytes are attached to micron sized magnetic beads and printed through a modified, commercial inkjet printer. The labeled cells are then attached to a glass slide covering a permanent magnet. Cell counts can be obtained by use of regular and inverted optical microscopes and imaging software. The magnetically-labeled beads are collected for evaluation on a modified polymer coupon that is placed in front of a permanent magnet and the unlabeled cells fall into an excess container. Flow cytometry results verify the presence of the CD4+ protein on the LBRM-33 lymphocytes membrane. Protein-specific attachment of magnetic microspheres to the lymphocytes is utilized for sorting CD4+ lymphocytes.