# Measurement FAQ

Most BactoBox® devices measure your sample vial the same way. Differences usually come from versioning or settings.

## Does the measurement result vary between BactoBox® devices?

**No.** BactoBox® devices measure identically.

This assumes proper [maintenance](/protocols/maintenance.md) and the same [configuration](/encyclopedia/item-register/bactobox-r/bactobox-r-configuration.md).

Example: your bb2441013 measures the same as your bb2502001.

If results differ, check your hardware and software version first.

## Does the hardware version affect the measurement result?

**BactoBox® hardware v7.5 and newer measures identically.** That covers devices produced on 2023-08-01 or later.

BactoBox® hardware v7.4 and earlier may give different results than v7.5 and newer.

{% hint style="success" %}

### Keep your BactoBox® hardware up to date

Email <customersupport@sbtinstruments.com> to request a hardware upgrade.
{% endhint %}

See [BactoBox® hardware changelog](/encyclopedia/item-register/bactobox-r/bactobox-r-hardware-changelog.md) for details.

## Does the software version affect the measurement result?

**BactoBox® software v2023.05 and newer measures identically.**

BactoBox® software v2023.04 and earlier may give different results than v2023.05 and newer.

{% hint style="success" %}
Keep your BactoBox® software [up to date](/protocols/best-practices/update-bactobox-r-software.md).
{% endhint %}

See [BactoBox® software changelog](/encyclopedia/software/bactobox-r-software-changelog.md) for details.

## Does the flow cell affect the measurement result?

**No.** The [Flow cell](/encyclopedia/item-register/consumables/flow-cell.md) does not affect the result. This assumes proper [maintenance](/protocols/maintenance.md).

Example: your flow cell 2D8B1B6T measures the same as your 2C5B1A3T.

We calibrate each flow cell during production. This avoids flow cell-to-flow cell variation.

## Does BactoBox® configuration affect the measurement result?

**Yes.** [BactoBox® configuration](/encyclopedia/item-register/bactobox-r/bactobox-r-configuration.md) affects the result.

Configuration covers default [Gating](/encyclopedia/measurements-explained/gating.md) and [Limit of detection](/encyclopedia/measurements-explained/limits-of-detection.md).

{% hint style="success" %}
Use the same [BactoBox® configuration](/encyclopedia/item-register/bactobox-r/bactobox-r-configuration.md) on all your devices to get identical measurement results.
{% endhint %}

## Does gating affect the measurement result?

**Yes.** [Gating](/encyclopedia/measurements-explained/gating.md) directly affects the measurement results. Specifically, the cells/mL concentration.

{% hint style="success" %}
Use the same [gating](/encyclopedia/measurements-explained/gating.md) on all your devices to get identical measurement results.
{% endhint %}


---

# 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/measurements-explained/measurement-faq.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.