Washing Stations accept DropArray DA-Bead and DA-Cell plates into a liquid-tight chamber formed with a clamping mechanism. After an aqueous washing buffer is automatically added, the station gently shakes the microplate to facilitate washing with minimal loss of cells. The station then tilts the microplate, using gravity to drain excess washing buffer from the planar surface, avoiding the harsh, high-velocity liquid exchange associated with traditional washers and microplates. Buffer is added at a very low velocity, preventing cell and bead loss. In addition, there is a magnet array embedded in the plate holder for bead-based assays. This helps retain magnetic beads on the microplate upon washing. Despite the low velocity, plate processing time is comparable to traditional washers because the entire plate is treated at once. After the microplate is removed from the station the plate is ready for accepting the next set of reagents.