Run QC test
Get things ready
You need these items:
1 × QC vial (see Make QC vial)
1 × certificate of analysis for the QC vial
1 × dilution vial (see the info box below)
Difference between QC test and qualification
When you qualify your BactoBox® setup, always use a ready-made SBT dilution vial.
For the regular weekly QC test, use a dilution vial from the dilution route you use for your own samples:
a ready-made vial, or
one you filled yourself from bulk liquid.
Besides the choice of dilution vial, qualification and QC test are the same.
Step by step
Start the QC test program
You do this with three button presses.
Enter the Programs menu
First, press and hold Measure until the Programs menu appears.
Enter the QC test screen
Second, press Measure again briefly to select the QC test program.
Set the target concentration
Check the sticker on the QC stock or the certificate of analysis and find the value for Concentration in prepared 1x QC test sample.
Input the target concentration in million particles/mL.
Enter the value in million particles/mL
Convert the particle concentration from particles/mL to million particles/mL.
For example, 2 080 000 particles/mL becomes 2.08 million particles/mL.
Press OK to submit the target concentration.
Does your QC test program look different?
Update your BactoBox® software. We introduced the Input target concentration screen in software v2025.10.
Measure on QC vial
Transfer the tubing kit to the QC vial.
Press OK to start the measurement.
Status: Pass
BactoBox® checks if total/mL is within ±15 % of the certificate value. If it is, the program moves to the next step.
Status: Fail
If an error occurs, or if total/mL is outside the limits, the program returns to the previous step.
See QC vial fails for a troubleshooting guide.
Measure on dilution vial
Use the dilution vial with nothing added to it. This blank checks that neither your setup nor your dilution liquid adds a background count.
Transfer the tubing kit to the dilution vial and press OK to measure.
Status: Fail
If any error occurs, or, if the concentrations are outside the requirements, BactoBox® moves back to previous step.
See Dilution vial fails for a troubleshooting guide.
When to perform a QC test
Perform a QC test in these cases:
At least once a week.
After a deep clean (of any length).
When you change your BactoBox® setup. Example: You replace the flow cell, the external filter or the tubing kit.
As part of qualification.
See Maintenance for more information.
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