# Flow cell

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<figure><img src="https://4216107837-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FeYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW%2Fuploads%2FaVETzarRGOHhytsu0QLm%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=b701a281-1f24-47d4-a665-f4bd3b940fcc" alt=""><figcaption><p>Flow cell</p></figcaption></figure>

<a href="mailto:sales@sbtinstruments.com" class="button primary" data-icon="envelope">Contact SBT to purchase</a>
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:label: Individual item number `20030`

:label: Bundled as `FC03`

:fuelpump: Lasts **250 measurements**

<img src="https://4216107837-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FeYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW%2Fuploads%2FnY9TAdPCiji4qlC2aJN2%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=4dd43d26-4272-4fe7-8c2e-c9e000b5ab0a" alt="" data-size="line"> Expires **2 years** from production date

<img src="https://4216107837-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FeYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW%2Fuploads%2FnY9TAdPCiji4qlC2aJN2%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=4dd43d26-4272-4fe7-8c2e-c9e000b5ab0a" alt="" data-size="line"> Once opened, use before **6 months**

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Replace the [external filter](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/encyclopedia/item-register/consumables/external-filter) when you replace the flow cell.
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## Not sold individually

Purchase `FC03` that comes with 2 ×  [external filters](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/encyclopedia/item-register/consumables/external-filter).
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<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>FC03</code></td><td>1</td><td><mark style="color:$info;">This bundle includes a flow cell and two</mark> <a href="external-filter"><mark style="color:$info;">external filters</mark></a><mark style="color:$info;">.</mark><br>Remember to change the external filter when you change the flow cell.</td></tr><tr><td>Third party</td><td>null</td><td><mark style="color:$danger;background-color:$danger;">Not possible</mark><br><mark style="color:$info;">The flow cell is patented by SBT.</mark></td></tr></tbody></table>

<details>

<summary>Technical drawing</summary>

<div align="center"><figure><img src="https://4216107837-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FeYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW%2Fuploads%2FjsuPwKUZXMbNIj4IsQn0%2F6.png?alt=media" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>Flow cell bottom view (M) and top view (N)</p></figcaption></figure></div>

<table><thead><tr><th width="138">Symbol</th><th>Explanation</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>M</td><td>Flow cell bottom view with electrode pads, memory chip, and flow channels for the liquid</td></tr><tr><td>N</td><td>Flow cell top view where you can see the flow cell ID</td></tr></tbody></table>

</details>

## Use cases

[Install the flow cell](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/installation/install-flow-cell) in your BactoBox®.

[Replace the flow cell](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/installation/install-flow-cell) in these cases:

* After 250 measurements.\ <mark style="color:$info;">The BactoBox® software automatically prompts you to do this.</mark>

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[Clean](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/protocols/best-practices/clean-the-setup) the flow cell before you remove it.
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{% 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.**
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### The flow cell is worn out after 250 measurements <a href="#the-flow-cell-lasts-for-250-measurements" id="the-flow-cell-lasts-for-250-measurements"></a>

After 250 measurements, the flow cell reaches its usage limit and is automatically locked. This limit is set to guarantee the factory calibration of the flow cell.
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## Gallery

<figure><img src="https://4216107837-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FeYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW%2Fuploads%2F9fSahLafs4SK5XmLc2pn%2Finsert-flow-cell--short.avif?alt=media&#x26;token=f63fbfd8-72f2-461e-bd61-ac9f1bf103ee" alt=""><figcaption><p>How to properly install a flow cell in BactoBox®</p></figcaption></figure>


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