# Install flow cell

<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></figcaption></figure>

## Get things ready

You need these items:

* 1 × [BactoBox®](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/encyclopedia/item-register/bactobox-r)
* 1 × [flow cell](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/encyclopedia/item-register/consumables/flow-cell)

## Step by step

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Remove flow cell cover

Remove the [flow cell cover](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/encyclopedia/item-register/accessories/flow-cell-cover) (the grey lid). This reveals the flow cell compartment underneath.

<figure><img src="https://4216107837-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FeYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW%2Fuploads%2FeCYRMgxHeX7V0Mqjb2j2%2FBactoBox--simple-outline--remove-flow-cell-cover.png?alt=media&#x26;token=94133e43-d67f-4e0c-bc50-aad7ce5f0f6a" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Remove existing flow cell (optional)

If a flow cell is already installed, remove it. Press the clamps together. Lift the flow cell out.

{% hint style="success" %}
[Clean](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/protocols/best-practices/clean-the-setup) the flow cell before you remove it.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Place the flow cell

Place the flow cell loosely onto the metal bracket.

<figure><img src="https://4216107837-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FeYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW%2Fuploads%2FE6kNejhdkwkmMCi48t0b%2Fflow-cell--simple-outline--insert-into-bactobox.png?alt=media&#x26;token=4cb28262-85c1-4c29-bed5-2111b39e7f4b" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Press flow cell into place

First, press *firmly* on the top section labeled (1) until you hear a distinct click.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Make sure to press the cartridge itself and not the clamp.
{% endhint %}

Second, press *firmly* on the lower section labeled (2) until you hear a second click.

<figure><img src="https://4216107837-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FeYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW%2Fuploads%2FLqiDfliWi5aLLP9OblFV%2Fflow-cell--simple-outline--click-into-place.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c716ac4b-79e4-4e6f-a4fc-accce74afc32" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="success" %}
**Ensure that everything works**

* [ ] The user interface no longer displays the "Insert flow cell" animation.
* [ ] The flow cell has a slight springy feel when you press the center section.
  {% endhint %}
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Insert flow cell cover

Insert the flow cell cover (grey lid) on top of the flow cell compartment.

{% hint style="info" %}
The flow cell cover protects the flow cell compartment against dust and liquid.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://4216107837-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FeYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW%2Fuploads%2FXX3vK3aPmLd2ltfmE6zy%2FBactoBox--simple-outline--put-flow-cell-cover-on.png?alt=media&#x26;token=7dff8edc-5452-434b-8216-135b64cba96a" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### That is it!

Flow cell installation is done.

{% 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.**
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}

### 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.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


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