> 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/vials-you-prepare/qc-vial.md).

# QC vial

Use as part of the QC test.

{% columns %}
{% column %}

<figure><img src="https://4199970748-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAjOYV4v43T0TFlSRqgAp%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-bd765d0c5cf5439377566fb77099d732e4a7a3db%2Fvial-rack--simple-outline--3-vials--1-qc.png?alt=media" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>Illustration of a QC vial</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endcolumn %}

{% column %}
:label: **You make it.** There is no item number

:droplet: Contains **10 mL of dilution liquid, plus QC stock**

<img src="https://4199970748-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAjOYV4v43T0TFlSRqgAp%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-839693694b6b481e0e56980fcc8306e9b5cf2a9d%2Fsymbol--iso--expiry-date.png?alt=media" alt="" data-size="line"> Use before **end of day**
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

A QC vial is a [dilution vial](/item-register/individual-items/dilution-vial.md) with [QC stock](/item-register/individual-items/qc-stock.md) added to it. Both arrive in the [QC bundle](/item-register/consumables/qc-bundle.md).

{% content-ref url="/spaces/eYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW/pages/BwmuEG73IxjawyTHTBxN" %}
[Make QC vial](/getting-started/qc-test/make-qc-vial.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## When you need one

You make one QC vial per QC test. Run a QC test at least once a week, and after every deep clean. See [QC test](/getting-started/qc-test.md) for the full list of when to run one.

{% 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[^1].

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

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


---

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