Make QC vial

Simply put, a QC vial contains diluted QC stock

We mix QC stock and dilution liquid to make a QC vial. The components are simple but the workflow requires attention to detail. In this tutorial, we teach you how to make a QC vial the right way.

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

Quick clip ⚡️

Shake QC stock by hand for at least 30 seconds.

Figure

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.

2

Transfer QC stock

Use a P200 pipette to transfer 101 µL of QC stock to the dilution vial. As a good laboratory practice, label the vial with “QC” to clearly identify it as the QC vial.

Quick clip ⚡️

Transfer from QC stock to dilution vial. Put a "QC" label on the vial.

Figure

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 uniformly suspend the microspheres. There are two options: Mix with vortex mixer or mix by hand.

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

Mix with vortex mixer (quick clip ⚡️)

Place QC vial on vortex mixer and mix for 30 seconds at max RPM

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 with vortex mixer (figure)

Mix by shaking

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!