# External filter

{% columns %}
{% column %}

<figure><img src="https://4216107837-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FeYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW%2Fuploads%2FK88npYZcpTw9Pr6L3Aq2%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c3ef33e9-a2e1-40bc-9e83-0d39a0ddd18b" alt=""><figcaption><p>External filter</p></figcaption></figure>

<a href="mailto:sales@sbtinstruments.com" class="button primary" data-icon="envelope">Contact SBT to purchase</a>
{% endcolumn %}

{% column %}
:label: Individual item number `50121`

:label: Bundled as `PF01`

&#x20;:straight\_ruler: Pore size **40 µm**

{% hint style="info" %}
**Not sold individually**
{% endhint %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

<table><thead><tr><th width="100">Item no.</th><th width="106" data-type="number">Quantity</th><th>Note</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><code>PF01</code></td><td>2</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Third party</td><td>null</td><td><mark style="color:$danger;background-color:$danger;">Not recommended</mark></td></tr></tbody></table>

## Use cases

Always have an external filter between your [BactoBox®](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/encyclopedia/item-register/bactobox-r) and the [tubing kit](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/encyclopedia/item-register/accessories/tubing-kit).

Replace the [external filter](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/encyclopedia/item-register/consumables/external-filter) in these cases:

* When you replace the flow cell.

See [install-tubing-kit](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/installation/install-tubing-kit "mention") for instructions on how to replace the external filter

{% hint style="success" %}

### Replace the external filter when you replace the flow cell <a href="#replace-the-external-filter" id="replace-the-external-filter"></a>

It is good practice to replace the [external filter](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/encyclopedia/item-register/consumables/external-filter) whenever you replace the flow cell. See [Install tubing kit](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/installation/install-tubing-kit) for details.

[run-qc-test](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/qc-test/run-qc-test "mention") **when you replace the external filter.**
{% endhint %}

## Gallery

<figure><img src="https://4216107837-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FeYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW%2Fuploads%2F1ITOJn9m0VFJfiN5hKRg%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=532e2aa7-0730-46e1-afb5-9e7345054323" alt="" width="270"><figcaption><p>Two external filters bundled as <code>PF01</code></p></figcaption></figure>


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://help.sbtinstruments.com/encyclopedia/item-register/consumables/external-filter.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
