# QC vial

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<figure><img src="https://4216107837-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FeYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW%2Fuploads%2F9Bcz8hhilXj9nGWDKzHq%2Fvial-rack--simple-outline--3-vials--1-qc.png?alt=media&#x26;token=cde6f66a-00ab-480c-a4a3-20235bb9eb7f" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>Illustration of a DIY QC vial.</p></figcaption></figure>
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:label: Only exists as DIY[^1]

:droplet: Contains **10 mL**

<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"> Use before **end of day**

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**Single use only**
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**Not sold in any quantity**
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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><a data-footnote-ref href="#user-content-fn-1">DIY</a></td><td>null</td><td>See <a data-mention href="../../../getting-started/qc-test/make-qc-vial">make-qc-vial</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Use cases

Use to [QC test your BactoBox®](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/qc-test).

Perform a [QC test](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/qc-test) in these cases:

* **At least once a week.**
* After a [deep clean](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/best-practices/deep-clean-1) (of any length).
* When you change your BactoBox® setup.\ <mark style="color:$info;">Example: You replace the flow cell.</mark>\ <mark style="color:$info;">Example: You replace the external filter.</mark>\ <mark style="color:$info;">Example: You replace the tubing kit.</mark>
* When you switch from the SBT dilution vial to the [DIY dilution vial](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/best-practices/assemble-dilution-dispenser).
* As part of [qualification](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/qualification).

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## The QC vial is for *single use* only

Once the liquid passes through BactoBox®, its properties may change. Trace residues of disinfection liquid from the previous cleaning cycle can lower both the conductivity and the concentration of microspheres[^2].

**Always discard the QC vial after use!**
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## What is a *vial*?

In SBT terms, a vial is a 15 mL conical centrifuge tube.

BactoBox® connects to a vial via the [tubing kit](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/encyclopedia/item-register/accessories/tubing-kit). See the [vial rack](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/encyclopedia/item-register/accessories/vial-rack) for a convenient way to store vials.
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[^1]: Do it yourself

[^2]: Microspheres are spherical (1 μm diameter) silica particles.