Make QC vial

Simply put, a QC vial contains diluted QC stock

You mix QC stock and dilution liquid to make a QC vial. The components are simple but the workflow still requires attention to detail.

Get things ready

You need these items:

• 1 × SBT dilution vial (bundled as DV01)
• 1 × QC stock
• 1 × vortex mixer (not part of packaging)
• 1 × P200 pipette (not part of packaging)

Always use an SBT dilution vial to make a QC vial

It may be tempting to use in-house or third-party diluent or vials. However, this introduces an element of uncertainty that you don't want for the qualification procedure.

Do not use a DIY dilution vial to make a QC vial

That is, do not use a dilution vial made with the dilution dispenser.

Step by step

1

Shake QC stock

Shake QC stock by hand for at least 30 seconds.

Shake the QC stock vigorously for at least 30 seconds to uniformly suspend the microspheres within.

Shake the QC stock by hand

Shake the QC stock by hand for at least 30 seconds.

Do not use a vortex mixer on the QC stock

A vortex mixer does not properly suspend the microspheres within as they may stick to the inner lid of the cap.

2

Transfer QC stock

Transfer from QC stock to dilution vial. For visualization purposes, this demonstration uses milk instead of QC stock.

• Aspirate twice in the QC stock. This provides a more precise volume than a single aspirate.
• Use a P200 pipette to transfer 101 µL of QC stock to the dilution vial.
• Aspirate the liquid tip ten times in the dilution vial. This rinses the pipette tip for silica beads that sticks to the plastic surfaces.
• Label the vial “QC”.

The P200 pipette is not part of the packaging. You must acquire a P200 pipette yourself.

3

Mix QC vial

Mix the QC vial to suspend the microspheres. Place the QC vial on a vortex mixer and mix for 30 seconds at max RPM.

We recommend that you use a vortex mixer to mix the QC vial.

Ensure that a vortex/cyclone forms in the liquid.

The vortex mixer is not part of the packaging. You must acquire a vortex mixer yourself.

Mix by shaking as a last resort

Only shake the QC vial by hand if you don't have a vortex mixer. Shake the QC vial vigorously for at least 30 seconds.

4

That is it!

You now have a QC vial. Use it to run a QC test.

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.

Always discard the QC vial after use!