a micro - fluidic manipulation device is formed using a plastic material or glass . there is at least one well in the device . the well has a base and a side wall and is dimensioned to receive a cell . there is at least one base fluid port in the base of the well and side fluid ports in the side wall . each of the base fluid port and the side fluid ports are of a cross sectional area to prevent a cell passing therethrough . selected flow of fluid through the base port in use assists in supporting a cell in the well and selected flow of fluid through the base port and the side ports in use assists in rotating the cell in the well . the well can have a retention section and a loading section , the loading section being above and larger than the retention section . the loading section can have a loading channel extending to it or alternatively an access hatch . the side fluid ports open into a lower region of the loading section .