> 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/getting-started/qc-test/make-qc-vial.md).

# Make QC vial

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](/item-register/vials-flasks-and-liquids/dilution-vial.md) (bundled as `DV01`)
* 1 × [QC stock](/item-register/vials-flasks-and-liquids/qc-stock-1-ml.md)
* 1 × vortex mixer (not part of packaging)
* 1 × P200 pipette (not part of packaging)

{% hint style="success" %}

### 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.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="danger" %}

### Do *not* use a DIY[^1] dilution vial to make a QC vial

That is, do *not* use a [dilution vial made with the dilution dispenser](/item-register/do-it-yourself-diy/diy-dilution-dispenser/make-diy-dilution-vial.md).
{% endhint %}

## Step by step

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Shake QC stock

<figure><img src="/files/ac5ZrgShsggHfhluhonD" alt=""><figcaption><p>Shake QC stock by hand for at least <strong>30 seconds</strong>.</p></figcaption></figure>

Shake the QC stock vigorously for at least **30 seconds** to uniformly suspend the microspheres[^2] within.

{% hint style="success" %}

### Shake the QC stock by hand

Shake the QC stock by hand for at least **30 seconds**.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="danger" %}

### Do not use a vortex mixer on the QC stock

A vortex mixer does not properly suspend the microspheres[^2] within as they may stick to the inner lid of the cap.\
\ <img src="/files/GWAywacgvntfnO8E7gOJ" alt="" data-size="original">
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Transfer QC stock

<figure><img src="/files/mv7nzkYPjQokpRiisoiV" alt=""><figcaption><p>Transfer from QC stock to dilution vial. For visualization purposes, this demonstration uses milk instead of QC stock.</p></figcaption></figure>

* 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”.

{% hint style="info" %}
The P200 pipette is *not* part of the packaging. You must acquire a P200 pipette yourself.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Mix QC vial

<figure><img src="/files/iHgaQX3ub0EwieUnkjNi" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Mix the QC vial to suspend the microspheres[^2]. Place the QC vial on a vortex mixer and mix for **30 seconds** at max RPM[^3].

{% hint style="success" %}
We recommend that you use a vortex mixer to mix the QC vial.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="success" %}
Ensure that a vortex/cyclone forms in the liquid.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
The vortex mixer is *not* part of the packaging. You must acquire a vortex mixer yourself.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}

### 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**.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### That is it!

You now have a QC vial. Use it to [run a QC test](/getting-started/qc-test/run-qc-test.md).
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="warning" %}

## 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[^4].

**Always discard the QC vial after use!**
{% endhint %}

[^1]: Do it yourself

[^2]: Microspheres are spherical (1 µm diameter) silica particles.

[^3]: Rotations per minute

[^4]: Microspheres are spherical (1 μm diameter) silica particles.


---

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