Maintenance

Our recommendations to take care of your BactoBox®

Your BactoBox® requires periodic maintenance. On this page, we list all our maintenance recommendations.

Beyond the periodic maintenance, there are also specific events that require further action. See the When to X sections below for further detail.

Schedule

Proper maintenance require yearly, weekly, and daily maintenance. Here is an overview:

What to do	When to do it	Details
Qualify	At least once a year	When to qualify
QC test	At least once a week	When to QC test
Deep clean	At least once a week	When to deep clean
Clean	After each measurement	When to clean
Replace syringe filter	At the start of each day	When to replace the syringe filter

Best-practice example

Here is an example of best-practice BactoBox® use throughout a week:

When to qualify your BactoBox®

Qualify your BactoBox® in these cases:

• At least once a year.

• When you relocate your BactoBox® setup. Example: You install your BactoBox® for the very first time. Example: You ship your BactoBox® to another physical location. Example: You get your BactoBox® back from service/repair at SBT.

Difference between QC test and qualification

When you qualify your BactoBox® setup, always use an SBT dilution vial (bundled as DV01).

For the regular (weekly) QC test, use the dilution vial that you intend to use going forward for your own measurements. This depends on your use case and may be either of:

• SBT dilution vial (bundled as DV01)

• DIY dilution vial (made with the dilution dispenser)

Besides the choice of dilution vial, qualification and QC test are the same.

When to QC test

Perform a QC test in these cases:

• At least once a week.

• After a deep clean (of any length).

• When you change your BactoBox® setup. Example: You replace the flow cell. Example: You replace the external filter. Example: You replace the tubing kit.

• When you switch from the SBT dilution vial to the DIY dilution vial.

• As part of qualification.

When to deep clean

Deep clean your BactoBox® in these cases:

• At least once a week. Use the 15-minute option.

• To recover a flow cell that failed the QC test. Try with the 15-minute option first. If the issue persists, try the 10-hour option.

See Deep clean explained for more information about what a deep clean does.

When to clean

Clean your BactoBox® in these cases:

• After each measurement.

• After a deep clean.

• After 30+ minutes of inactivity. The BactoBox® software automatically prompts you to do this.

Why clean?

Clean serves two purposes: Avoid growth inside your BactoBox® and avoid carry-over effects between measurements.

Clean your BactoBox® to ensure that you only measure on your sample itself—not any residual particles or growth from previous measurements. E.g., to avoid carry-over, biofilm, and the like.

Your BactoBox® has microfluidic flow paths that the liquid, bacteria, and particles pass through. It's essential to keep these paths clear of residue, microorganisms, biofilm, and other contaminants. In general, to avoid conditions that promote microbial growth.

When to replace the syringe filter

Replace the syringe filter of your dilution dispenser in these cases:

• At the start of each day

• When it is difficult to dispense liquid (because the syringe filter clogs)

Replace the syringe filter at the start of each day

Even within a single day, the syringe filter clogs after repeated use. If it feels like you need to press harder to dispense, replace the syringe filter.

Each syringe filter typically clogs after 200–500 mL of liquid dispensed (20–50 dispenses of 10 mL).

Indications of clogged syringe filter

A squeaking sound may indicate a clogged syringe filter. Replace the syringe filter if squeaking occurs to maintain accurate and fluent dispensing.

When to replace the external filter

Replace the external filter in these cases:

• When you replace the flow cell.

See Install tubing kit for instructions on how to replace the external filter

When to replace the flow cell

Replace the flow cell in these cases:

• After 250 measurements. The BactoBox® software automatically prompts you to do this.

Clean the flow cell before you remove it.

Replace the external filter when you replace the flow cell

It is good practice to replace the external filter whenever you replace the flow cell. See Install tubing kit for details.

Run QC test when you replace the external filter.

When to replace the tubing kit

It is not necessary to replace the tubing kit.

Found a stain on your BactoBox®?

Wipe the surface of your BactoBox® device with a clean, soft cloth and 70 % isopropanol or other alcohol.

Spilled liquid on your BactoBox®?

Power off the device immediately. Wipe it off with a damp, soft cloth. Wait for it to dry thoroughly.