> 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/item-register/dilution-routes.md).

# Dilution routes

Two ways to get the dilution vials your samples need

Most samples use two dilution vials. You can buy them ready-made, or buy the liquid in bulk and fill the vials yourself.

{% columns %}
{% column %}

### Ready-made vials

:label: Sales item `DR01`, Dilution liquid: ready-made vials (100× dilutions)

:package: In the pack: **100 pre-filled, sterile dilution vials**

:test\_tube: Enough for **50 samples**

:heavy\_check\_mark: Also needed: **nothing**

✋ Handling: **open and use**
{% endcolumn %}

{% column %}

### Bulk liquid

:label: Sales item `DB01`, Dilution liquid: bulk (500× dilutions)

:package: In the pack: **5 L dilution liquid and 500 empty vials**

:test\_tube: Enough for **250 samples**

:heavy\_check\_mark: Also needed: **dispenser `DD01` once, syringe filters `SF01` daily**

✋ Handling: **you fill each vial yourself**
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/zNNnBvleDr2jZXA5Kof0" %}
[Dilution liquid: ready-made vials](/item-register/consumables/dilution-liquid-ready-made-vials.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/2oQUHEygwLRftnYn1UcP" %}
[Dilution liquid: bulk](/item-register/consumables/dilution-liquid-bulk.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% hint style="success" %}

## We recommend ready-made vials for almost all users

They arrive pre-filled and sterile, with no dispenser to set up and far less room for handling error.

Bulk lowers the cost per sample, but it adds the [dilution dispenser](/item-register/accessories/dilution-dispenser.md), a daily filter change and the filling step. That effort only pays off at high volume, which our own cost work puts at around 1,000 samples.
{% endhint %}


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