A novel parallel radio-frequency (RF) tag distributor has been developed which allows for distribution of RF tags into Irori microkans in 96-well format. The distributor has a holding capacity of approximately 1000 RF tags and distributes RF tags in groups of 12. Using the distributor, a block of 96 microkans can be filled with RF tags in less than 30 sec resulting in significant time savings over one-at-a-time manual RF tag distribution. The distributor may also be of utility as a solid-phase synthesis tool for dispensing resin enclosed in capsules (which have the same shape as RF tags). Copyright 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.