Run QC test
Get things ready
You need these items:
1 × BactoBox® setup
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 an SBT dilution vial (bundled as DV01).
For the regular (weekly) QC test, use the dilution vial that you intend to use going forward for your own measurements. This depends on your use case and may be either of:
SBT dilution vial (bundled as
DV01)DIY dilution vial (made with the dilution dispenser)
Besides the choice of dilution vial, qualification and QC test are the same.
Step by step
Start the QC test program
We do so 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 the total/mL is within ±15% of the certificate of analysis value. If it is, the process moves to the next step.
Status: Fail
If any error occurs, or, if the total/mL is outside the requirements. BactoBox® moves back to previous step.
See QC vial fails for a troubleshooting guide.
Measure on dilution vial
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. Example: You replace the external filter. Example: You replace the tubing kit.
When you switch from the SBT dilution vial to the DIY dilution vial.
As part of qualification.
See Maintenance for more information.
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