> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/everyday-use/run-a-sample.md).
# Run a sample
Disperse the cells, dilute into the working range, measure, and clean.
Your BactoBox® counts accurately between 30 000 and 5 000 000 cells/mL (3 × 10^4 to 5 × 10^6) in the vial you measure. Read [Before you measure](/everyday-use/before-you-measure.md) first.
## Step by step
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
### Disperse cells
Cells in a culture tend to stick to each other. To get repeatable dilutions, disperse the cells before your first dilution.
Transfer some culture to a tube you can vortex, such as a microcentrifuge tube or a centrifuge tube. Vortex for 30 seconds at maximum speed.
Some organisms form chains or clumps that a vortex cannot separate. If yours does, see [Break up cell clumps](/more/how-to-guides/break-up-cell-clumps.md).
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Dilute 1:100
Transfer 101 µL from the tube into a diluent vial and [rinse the tip](/more/how-to-guides/basic-sample-preparation.md) in the vial. Vortex the vial for 10 seconds at maximum speed.
A 1:100 dilution suits young cultures, from lag to early exponential phase.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Dilute again to 1:10 000, for dense cultures
Overnight and stationary cultures are too dense for 1:100. Transfer 101 µL from your 1:100 vial into the second diluent vial and [rinse the tip](/more/how-to-guides/basic-sample-preparation.md) in the vial. Vortex the vial for 10 seconds at maximum speed.
Culture in mid-exponential phase? Use 1:1 000 instead. See [Hit the right concentration](/more/how-to-guides/hit-the-right-concentration.md).
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Measure
Move the tubing kit to your final vial and press Measure. Multiply the result by the dilution factor.
{% hint style="info" %}
Result outside the working range? See [Hit the right concentration](/more/how-to-guides/hit-the-right-concentration.md).
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Clean
Move the tubing kit to your disinfection vial and press Clean. Do this after every measurement.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
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