# Help center

## Using BactoBox®

- [Using BactoBox®](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/readme.md)
- [Unboxing](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/required-items.md): Check that you have everything.
- [Installation](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/installation.md): Power on, then install the tubing kit and the flow cell.
- [Power on](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/installation/power-on.md): Connect the power supply and switch on your BactoBox®.
- [Install tubing kit](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/installation/install-tubing-kit.md): Connect the tubing kit, always with an external filter.
- [Install flow cell](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/installation/install-flow-cell.md): Click the flow cell into place under the grey lid.
- [Run your first QC test](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/run-your-first-qc-test.md): Check that BactoBox® measures correctly before your first sample.
- [Before you measure](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/everyday-use/before-you-measure.md): The five mistakes we see most often, and how to avoid them.
- [Run a sample](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/everyday-use/run-a-sample.md): Disperse the cells, dilute into the working range, measure, and clean.
- [Do measurements in Access](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/everyday-use/do-measurements-in-access.md): Access is the BactoBox® platform you reach by connecting your BactoBox® to your computer. It opens in your browser.
- [QC test](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/maintenance/qc-test.md): Check that BactoBox® measures correctly.
- [Run a QC test](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/maintenance/qc-test/run-qc-test.md): Measure a QC vial and a blank to check that BactoBox® measures correctly.
- [Make a QC vial from QC stock](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/maintenance/qc-test/make-qc-vial.md): For QC stock, items QC04, QC05 and QC06
- [Maintenance schedule](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/maintenance/maintenance-schedule.md): What you do to keep your BactoBox® working well, and how often.
- [How-to guides](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/more/how-to-guides.md): Short guides for the things that come up when you measure your own samples.
- [Basic sample preparation](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/more/how-to-guides/basic-sample-preparation.md): Accurate dilutions need a real vortex, the right vortex time, and a rinsed pipette tip.
- [Break up cell clumps](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/more/how-to-guides/break-up-cell-clumps.md): Some bacteria form chains or clumps that a vortex cannot separate. Break them into single cells before you measure.
- [Check medium background](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/more/how-to-guides/check-medium-background.md): Some particles in your growth medium can end up in your cells/mL result. Measure your medium to find out, and correct for it if it matters.
- [Hit the right concentration](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/more/how-to-guides/hit-the-right-concentration.md): Pick the dilution that lands your culture inside the BactoBox® working range.
- [Clean your setup](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/more/how-to-guides/clean-your-setup.md): Flush the flow path with a disinfection vial. It takes about 1 minute.
- [Deep clean your setup](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/more/how-to-guides/deep-clean-your-setup.md): Clear limescale and biofilm from the flow path with a deep clean vial. The weekly deep clean takes 15 minutes.
- [Deep clean explained](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/more/how-to-guides/deep-clean-your-setup/deep-clean.md)
- [Replace the syringe filter](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/more/how-to-guides/replace-syringe-filter.md): Replace the 0.22 µm syringe filter on your dilution dispenser at the start of each day.
- [Test your dilution liquid](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/more/how-to-guides/test-your-dilution-liquid.md): Check that your dilution liquid adds nothing to your count.
- [Software](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/more/software.md): Run, label and export your measurements from your computer with Access.
- [Connect to Access](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/more/software/connect-to-access.md): Connect your BactoBox® to your computer and open Access in your browser.
- [Label your samples](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/more/software/label-your-samples.md): Give each sample its dilution, label and sampling time before you measure.
- [Run programs from Access](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/more/software/run-programs-from-access.md): Measure, clean and run the other BactoBox® programs from your computer.
- [Create and open measurement groups](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/more/software/create-and-open-measurement-groups.md): Keep the measurements from one experiment together, with plots and a report.
- [Plot a growth curve](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/more/software/plot-a-growth-curve.md): Follow cell concentration and cell size over time, with one line per culture.
- [Cell size (CIZE)](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/more/software/cell-size-cize.md): What CIZE is, and how the QC test keeps it comparable.
- [Export your data](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/more/software/export-your-data.md): Download your measurements as CSV files, raw measurement files or a PDF report.
- [Use the calculators](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/more/software/use-the-calculators.md): Work out how much culture to transfer, and which dilutions to plate.
- [Update BactoBox® software](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/more/software/update-bactobox-r-software.md): Install the latest software on your BactoBox® from Access, or download the update file.
- [Back up and restore](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/more/software/back-up-and-restore.md): Save a copy of all software and data on your BactoBox®, and go back to it later.
- [What the columns mean](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/more/software/what-the-columns-mean.md): What each column shows on the Measurements page and in a measurement group.
- [Service and support](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/more/service-and-support.md): Annual service, the check engine light, and moving your BactoBox® safely.
- [Annual preventive maintenance](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/more/service-and-support/annual-preventive-maintenance.md): Annual service that renews the wear parts in your BactoBox® and verifies the unit.
- [Check engine light](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/more/service-and-support/check-engine-light.md): Like the one in your car, the check engine light tells you it is time for preventive maintenance.
- [Shipping and storage](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/more/service-and-support/shipping-and-storage.md): Shut your BactoBox® down safely, pack it for shipping, and bring it back into use.
- [Best practices](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/not-in-the-new-structure/best-practices.md): How to take care of your BactoBox® and get the most out of it.
- [Your BactoBox® journey](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/not-in-the-new-structure/your-bactobox-r-journey.md): Now you're done with the Getting started section. At this point, you have a qualified BactoBox® setup.
- [Always disaggregate](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/not-in-the-new-structure/simple-measurement.md): Mini course: A single cell suspension is essential for reliable BactoBox® measurements.
- [Do a simple measurement](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/not-in-the-new-structure/measure-vitroid-tm-disc.md): TUT-1: Your first BactoBox® measurement in a 30 min tutorial
- [Get things ready](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/not-in-the-new-structure/measure-vitroid-tm-disc/get-things-ready.md)
- [Transfer disc](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/not-in-the-new-structure/measure-vitroid-tm-disc/transfer-vitroid-tm-disc.md)
- [Prepare sample](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/not-in-the-new-structure/measure-vitroid-tm-disc/disaggregate-bacteria.md)
- [Dilute and measure](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/not-in-the-new-structure/measure-vitroid-tm-disc/dilute-and-measure.md)
- [Summary](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/not-in-the-new-structure/measure-vitroid-tm-disc/summary.md)
- [Measure a dense culture](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/not-in-the-new-structure/measure-overnight-culture.md): TUT-2: Your first BactoBox® measurement on an overnight culture with high bacterial concentration
- [Get things ready](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/not-in-the-new-structure/measure-overnight-culture/get-things-ready.md)
- [Inoculate LB medium](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/not-in-the-new-structure/measure-overnight-culture/inoculate-lb-medium.md)
- [Prepare sample](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/not-in-the-new-structure/measure-overnight-culture/disaggregate-bacteria.md)
- [Dilute and measure](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/not-in-the-new-structure/measure-overnight-culture/dilute-and-measure.md)
- [Summary](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/not-in-the-new-structure/measure-overnight-culture/summary.md)
- [Track growth curve](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/not-in-the-new-structure/measure-vitroid-tm-growth-curve.md): TUT-3: Your first growth curve tracked with BactoBox®
- [Get things ready](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/not-in-the-new-structure/measure-vitroid-tm-growth-curve/get-things-ready.md)
- [Inoculate LB medium](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/not-in-the-new-structure/measure-vitroid-tm-growth-curve/inoculate-lb-medium.md)
- [Prepare sample](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/not-in-the-new-structure/measure-vitroid-tm-growth-curve/disaggregate-bacteria.md)
- [1:100 dilutions](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/not-in-the-new-structure/measure-vitroid-tm-growth-curve/1-100-dilutions.md)
- [1:1,000 dilutions](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/not-in-the-new-structure/measure-vitroid-tm-growth-curve/1-1-000-dilutions.md)
- [1:10,000 dilutions](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/not-in-the-new-structure/measure-vitroid-tm-growth-curve/1-10-000-dilutions.md)
- [Data analysis](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/not-in-the-new-structure/measure-vitroid-tm-growth-curve/data-analysis.md)
- [Summary](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/not-in-the-new-structure/measure-vitroid-tm-growth-curve/summary.md)
- [Maintenance](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/not-in-the-new-structure/maintenance.md): Our recommendations to take care of your BactoBox®
- [BactoBox® first steps](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/not-in-the-new-structure/bactobox-r-first-steps.md): This tutorial teaches you the essentials. You will unbox, install, and qualify your BactoBox® setup.
- [Qualification](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/not-in-the-new-structure/qualification.md)

## Microbial process development

- [Microbial process development](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/readme.md): See what your culture is doing, from seed to harvest. BactoBox® counts the cells and measures their size.
- [Why use BactoBox®](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/why-use-bactobox-r.md): Optical density and dry cell weight mix growth with changes in your cells. A cell count measures growth itself.
- [Interpreting BactoBox® data](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/interpreting-bactobox-r-data.md): What cells/mL and CIZE tell you about your culture, and what to look for as they change.
- [Compare growth media](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/mini-course/screen-growth-media.md): Grow the same starter culture in each medium. Count the cells once growth has stopped, and compare.
- [Track a growth curve](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/mini-course/track-growth-curve.md): Follow one culture from inoculation until your process ends. Access plots the curve while you work.
- [Check an OD600 calibration](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/workflows/check-an-od600-calibration.md): One E. coli culture, three methods. Cells per OD unit moved 11× during the run. The cell count averaged 1:1 against plate counts.
- [Protocol](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/workflows/check-an-od600-calibration/protocol.md): The steps, materials and settings we used to check an OD600 calibration.
- [Screen growth media](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/workflows/best-medium.md): OD600 ranked the media by how much light the cells scattered. Cell counts ranked them by how many cells grew, and agreed with plate counts.
- [Protocol](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/workflows/best-medium/protocol.md): The steps, materials and settings we used to screen the growth media.
- [Optimize starter culture](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/workflows/identify-optimal-inoculum-size.md): A tenfold dilution series of the cryo stock and five BactoBox® measurements found the seed that reaches the plateau just before you use the culture.
- [Protocol](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/workflows/identify-optimal-inoculum-size/protocol.md): The steps, materials and settings we used to find the best seed for an overnight culture.
- [Identify harvest time](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/workflows/mpd1.md): When the cells are your product, harvest at the highest cell count. Real-time counts showed when that was, without waiting days for plates.
- [Protocol](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/workflows/mpd1/protocol.md): The steps, materials and settings we used to find the harvest time of a shake flask culture.
- [Cross-check at end of fermentation](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/workflows/cross-check.md): Measure the end of your run with BactoBox® and plate counts. The ratio shows whether to harvest earlier or later.
- [Protocol](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/workflows/cross-check/protocol.md): The steps, materials and settings we used to cross-check cell counts against plate counts at the end of a run.
- [MPD basics](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/mpd-basics.md): The bridge between biology and manufacturing
- [Bioprocess](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/bioprocess.md)
- [Bioproduct](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/bioproduct.md)
- [Glossary](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/bio-terminology.md)
- [Bioprocess workflows](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/bioprocess-workflows.md)
- [Optimize your bioprocess](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/bioprocess-workflows/optimize-your-bioprocess.md)
- [Understand your bioprocess](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/bioprocess-workflows/understand-your-bioprocess.md)
- [Get starter culture](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/get-starter-cultures.md): MPD-5
- [From cryo stock](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/get-starter-cultures/from-cryo-stock.md)
- [Get things ready](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/get-starter-cultures/from-cryo-stock/get-things-ready.md)
- [Inoculate culture](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/get-starter-cultures/from-cryo-stock/inoculate-culture.md)
- [Determine initial concentration](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/get-starter-cultures/from-cryo-stock/determine-initial-concentration.md)
- [Determine concentration after incubation](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/get-starter-cultures/from-cryo-stock/determine-concentration-after-incubation.md)
- [From agar plate colony](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/get-starter-cultures/from-agar-plate-colony.md): Get an active culture using a fresh colony from an agar plate.
- [Get things ready](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/get-starter-cultures/from-agar-plate-colony/get-things-ready.md)
- [Collect and disperse](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/get-starter-cultures/from-agar-plate-colony/collect-and-disperse.md)
- [Determine concentration](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/get-starter-cultures/from-agar-plate-colony/determine-concentration.md)
- [Inoculate liquid culture](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/get-starter-cultures/from-agar-plate-colony/inoculate-liquid-culture.md)
- [Determine concentration after incubation](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/get-starter-cultures/from-agar-plate-colony/determine-concentration-after-incubation.md)
- [From liquid culture](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/get-starter-cultures/from-liquid-culture.md)
- [Get things ready](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/get-starter-cultures/from-liquid-culture/get-things-ready.md)
- [Determine concentration of inoculum](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/get-starter-cultures/from-liquid-culture/determine-concentration-of-inoculum.md)
- [Inoculate culture](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/get-starter-cultures/from-liquid-culture/inoculate-culture.md)
- [Determine initial concentration](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/get-starter-cultures/from-liquid-culture/determine-initial-concentration.md)
- [Determine concentration after incubation](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/get-starter-cultures/from-liquid-culture/determine-concentration-after-incubation.md)
- [From CRM product](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/get-starter-cultures/from-crm-product.md)
- [Get things ready](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/get-starter-cultures/from-crm-product/get-things-ready.md)
- [Rehydrate and streak](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/get-starter-cultures/from-crm-product/rehydrate-and-streak.md)
- [Collect and disperse](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/get-starter-cultures/from-crm-product/collect-and-disperse.md)
- [Determine concentration](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/get-starter-cultures/from-crm-product/determine-concentration.md)
- [Inoculate liquid culture](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/get-starter-cultures/from-crm-product/inoculate-liquid-culture.md)
- [Determine concentration after incubation](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/get-starter-cultures/from-crm-product/determine-concentration-after-incubation.md)
- [Track growth curve](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/track-growth-curve.md): MPD-7. Visualize growth curves in real-time with BactoBox®.
- [Get things ready](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/track-growth-curve/get-things-ready.md)
- [Create measurement group](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/track-growth-curve/create-measurement-group.md)
- [Check growth medium](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/track-growth-curve/check-growth-medium.md)
- [Measure starter culture](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/track-growth-curve/measure-starter-culture.md)
- [Inoculate](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/track-growth-curve/inoculate.md)
- [1:100 dilution after inoculation](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/track-growth-curve/1-100-dilution-post-inoculation.md)
- [1:100 dilutions](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/track-growth-curve/1-100-dilutions.md)
- [1:1 000 dilutions](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/track-growth-curve/1-1-000-dilutions.md)
- [1:10 000 dilutions](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/track-growth-curve/1-10-000-dilutions.md)
- [Conclude growth curve](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/track-growth-curve/conclude-growth-curve.md)
- [Plate smarter](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/plate-smarter.md): MPD-8: Use BactoBox® to find the right dilution for plate counts
- [Growth phases](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/growth-phases.md)
- [Active cultures](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/active-cultures.md)
- [Carrying capacity, Κ](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/carrying-capacity-k.md)
- [Overview of methods for Κ](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/carrying-capacity-k/overview-of-methods-for-k.md)
- [BactoBox® for Κ](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/carrying-capacity-k/overview-of-methods-for-k/bactobox-r-for-k.md)
- [Fluorescence Flow Cytometry (FFC) for K](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/carrying-capacity-k/overview-of-methods-for-k/fluorescence-flow-cytometry-ffc-for-k.md)
- [Microscopy for K](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/carrying-capacity-k/overview-of-methods-for-k/microscopy-for-k.md)
- [Optical methods for Κ](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/carrying-capacity-k/overview-of-methods-for-k/optical-methods-for-k.md)
- [Plate counts for Κ](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/carrying-capacity-k/overview-of-methods-for-k/plate-counts-for-k.md)
- [Dry cell weight for Κ](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/carrying-capacity-k/overview-of-methods-for-k/dry-cell-weight-for-k.md)
- [Harvest window](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/harvest-window.md)
- [High-quality culture](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/high-quality-culture.md): This page explains the definition of a high-quality culture.
- [Overnight cultures](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/overnight2.md): Explanation of how inoculum size affects overnight culture quality.
- [Optical drawbacks](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/optical-drawbacks.md): Optical methods track light scattering, not cells. Four studies show where that breaks down, and how BactoBox® compares.
- [OD is inflated by background](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/optical-drawbacks/od-is-inflated-by-background.md)
- [OD misses low cell concentrations](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/optical-drawbacks/od-misses-low-cell-concentrations.md)
- [OD confounds medium optimization](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/optical-drawbacks/od-confounds-medium-optimization.md)
- [Lag phase (WIP)](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/lag-phase-wip.md): This article dives into what happens during the lag phase of a bacterial growth curve, and investigates what influences the lag phase duration.
- [Exponential growth model](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/exponential-growth-model.md): A practical introduction to using the exponential growth model for modelling bacterial growth in batch processes. Use the exponential growth model to predict and control bacterial growth.
- [Shifting process timings](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/shifting-process-timings.md): This page explores a few practical concepts to shifting process timings.
- [Correlation with plate counts](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/correlation-with-plate-counts.md)
- [Linearity across dilutions](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/linearity-and-correlation.md)
- [Screen growth media (old steps)](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/screen-growth-media-old-steps.md)
- [Get things ready](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/screen-growth-media-old-steps/get-things-ready.md)
- [Create measurement group](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/screen-growth-media-old-steps/create-measurement-group.md)
- [Morning measurement](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/screen-growth-media-old-steps/check-remaining-cultures.md)
- [Noon measurement](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/screen-growth-media-old-steps/check-remaining-cultures-1.md)
- [Afternoon measurement](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/screen-growth-media-old-steps/check-remaining-cultures-2.md)
- [Identify best medium](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/screen-growth-media-old-steps/identify-best-medium.md)
- [Inspect data critically](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/screen-growth-media-old-steps/inspect-data-critically.md)
- [Summary](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/screen-growth-media-old-steps/summary.md)
- [Optimize starter culture (old steps)](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/optimize-starter-culture-old-steps.md)
- [Get things ready](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/optimize-starter-culture-old-steps/get-things-ready.md)
- [Prepare flasks and media](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/optimize-starter-culture-old-steps/prepare-flasks-and-media.md)
- [Create measurement group](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/optimize-starter-culture-old-steps/create-measurement-group.md)
- [Measure on cryo stock](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/optimize-starter-culture-old-steps/measure-on-cryo-stock.md)
- [Prepare dilution series](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/optimize-starter-culture-old-steps/prepare-dilution-series.md)
- [Select relevant cultures](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/optimize-starter-culture-old-steps/select-relevant-cultures.md)
- [Check lowest culture](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/optimize-starter-culture-old-steps/check-lowest-culture.md)
- [Check remaining cultures](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/optimize-starter-culture-old-steps/check-remaining-cultures.md)
- [Choose best seeding ratio](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/optimize-starter-culture-old-steps/choose-best-seeding-ratio.md)
- [Identify harvest time (old steps)](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/identify-harvest-time-old-steps.md)
- [Plan experimental timeline](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/identify-harvest-time-old-steps/plan-experimental-timeline.md)
- [Get things ready](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/identify-harvest-time-old-steps/get-things-ready.md)
- [Create measurement group](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/identify-harvest-time-old-steps/create-measurement-group.md)
- [Track deceleration phase](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/identify-harvest-time-old-steps/track-deceleration-phase.md)
- [Track hourly](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/identify-harvest-time-old-steps/track-hourly.md)
- [Conclude engineering run](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/identify-harvest-time-old-steps/conclude-engineering-run.md)
- [Inspect data for harvest time](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/identify-harvest-time-old-steps/inspect-data-for-harvest-time.md)
- [Summary](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/identify-harvest-time-old-steps/summary.md)
- [Optional: rigorous approach](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/identify-harvest-time-old-steps/optional-rigorous-approach.md)
- [End-of-fermentation cross-check (old steps)](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/end-of-fermentation-cross-check-old-steps.md)
- [Get things ready](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/end-of-fermentation-cross-check-old-steps/get-things-ready.md)
- [Create measurement group](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/end-of-fermentation-cross-check-old-steps/create-measurement-group.md)
- [Retrieve culture sample](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/end-of-fermentation-cross-check-old-steps/retrieve-culture-sample.md)
- [BactoBox measurements](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/end-of-fermentation-cross-check-old-steps/bactobox-measurements.md)
- [Calculate dilutions](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/end-of-fermentation-cross-check-old-steps/calculations-for-plating.md)
- [Plate dilutions](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/end-of-fermentation-cross-check-old-steps/plate-dilutions.md)
- [Count colonies](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/end-of-fermentation-cross-check-old-steps/check-remaining-cultures.md)
- [Cross-check data](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/end-of-fermentation-cross-check-old-steps/cross-check-data.md)
- [Summary](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/mpd/encyclopedia/end-of-fermentation-cross-check-old-steps/summary.md)

## Inoculum standardization

- [Inoculum standardization](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/inoc/inoculum-standardization.md): BactoBox® is the perfect instrument to standardize your bacterial inoculum in real time.
- [Why use BactoBox®](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/inoc/why-use-bactobox-r.md): OD and McFarland drift with cell size. BactoBox® counts cells, so your inoculum hits the specification.
- [Get exponential phase inoculum for fast-growing bacteria](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/inoc/workflows/get-exponential-phase-inoculum-for-fast-growing-bacteria.md)
- [Crosscheck CFU and cells](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/inoc/workflows/crosscheck-cfu-and-cells.md)
- [Plate smarter](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/inoc/workflows/plate-smarter.md)
- [Correlation with plate counts](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/inoc/explainers/correlation-with-plate-counts.md)
- [Drifts in OD to CFU ratios](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/inoc/explainers/drifts-in-od-to-cfu-ratios.md)
- [OD is blind at low cell concentrations](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/inoc/explainers/od-is-blind-at-low-cell-concentrations.md)
- [Linearity across dilutions](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/inoc/explainers/linearity-across-dilutions.md)
- [Know the growth phase of your culture](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/inoc/explainers/know-the-growth-phase-of-your-culture.md)
- [Check for contamination](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/inoc/explainers/check-for-contamination.md)

## Troubleshooting

- [Troubleshooting](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/readme.md): Find what is wrong and fix it.
- [Error codes](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/error-codes.md): Look up the code on your BactoBox® screen and follow the steps.
- [Sample gives an error](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/sample-gives-an-error.md): Clean and try again. If the error comes back, run a QC test.
- [QC test fails](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/qc-test-fails.md): Follow the steps for your error code. Use fresh SBT vials every time you try again.
- [Check your consumables](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/qc-test-fails/check-your-consumables.md): Use SBT consumables for all your measurements. When you check if your BactoBox® works, use SBT consumables only.
- [Check the flow cell](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/qc-test-fails/check-the-flow-cell.md): Look for liquid under the flow cell. Then try a new flow cell and external filter.
- [Recover a flow cell](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/qc-test-fails/recover-a-flow-cell.md): Deep clean a flow cell that failed the QC test, then test it again.
- [Check liquid uptake](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/qc-test-fails/check-liquid-uptake.md): Make sure your BactoBox® draws liquid from the vial. If not, replace the parts in the flow path one at a time.
- [Other problems](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/other-problems.md): Problems that come without an error code.
- [Does not power on](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/other-problems/does-not-power-on.md): The display stays dark when you switch your BactoBox® on.
- [Display is frozen or dark](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/other-problems/display-is-frozen-or-dark.md): Your BactoBox® was running, then the display froze or went dark.
- [Stuck at spinner](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/other-problems/stuck-at-spinner.md): The screen says Initializing or Stopping and does not move on.
- [Program could not run to completion](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/other-problems/program-could-not-run-to-completion.md): A program stops with this message. It is a software issue.
- [Flow cell does not work](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/other-problems/flow-cell-does-not-work.md): The screen says the flow cell is invalid, obsolete, depleted or removed.
- [Cannot connect to Access](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/other-problems/cannot-connect-to-access.md): Access does not open in your browser.
- [Software update failed](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/other-problems/software-update-failed.md): The software update stops with a message.
- [The clock is wrong](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/other-problems/the-clock-is-wrong.md): The time is wrong, or your BactoBox® forgets it.
- [Dilution dispenser is stuck](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/other-problems/dilution-dispenser-is-stuck.md): The piston of the dilution dispenser does not move.
- [Dilution liquid test fails](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/other-problems/dilution-liquid-test-fails.md): Your blank dilution liquid reads above the limits. Find the cause before you test again.
- [Contact support](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/contact-support.md): Create a support case in Access, with a device data bundle.
- [Download device data bundle](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/contact-support/download-device-data-bundle.md): Save a device data bundle to your computer when our support team asks for one.
- [How do I differentiate dead and alive cells?](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/not-in-the-new-structure/how-do-i-differentiate-dead-and-alive-cells.md): Track the growth of your culture to tell live cells from dead cells.
- [How do I get good correlation with plate counts?](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/not-in-the-new-structure/divergence-from-plate-counts.md)
- [What can I measure on?](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/not-in-the-new-structure/what-can-i-measure-on.md)
- [What are cells/mL vs total/mL?](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/not-in-the-new-structure/measurements-explained.md): BactoBox® reports two concentrations: cells/mL and total/mL. Here is how to read them on the Results screen.
- [What affects the measurement result?](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/not-in-the-new-structure/measurement-faq.md): BactoBox® devices measure your sample vial the same way. Differences usually come from versioning or settings.
- [BactoBox® pitfalls](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/not-in-the-new-structure/bactobox-r-pitfalls.md)
- [QC vial fails](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/not-in-the-new-structure/i-get-error-40xx.md)
- [Dilution vial fails](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/not-in-the-new-structure/dilution-vial-is-outside...md)
- [Error about conductivity](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/not-in-the-new-structure/errors-about-conductivity.md)
- [Conductivity too low](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/not-in-the-new-structure/errors-about-conductivity/conductivity-too-low.md)
- [Conductivity too high](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/not-in-the-new-structure/errors-about-conductivity/conductivity-too-high.md)
- [Cleaning liquid is not disinfectant](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/not-in-the-new-structure/errors-about-conductivity/cleaning-liquid-not-disinfectant.md)
- [Error about slow/fast flow](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/not-in-the-new-structure/flow-errors.md)
- [Error about electrical signal or noise](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/not-in-the-new-structure/errors-about-electrical-signal-or-noise.md)
- [Create support case](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/not-in-the-new-structure/create-support-case.md)
- [Add data to existing support case](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/not-in-the-new-structure/create-support-case-1.md)

## Item register

- [Item register](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/readme.md): Every item we sell, every item inside one, and the number to quote
- [What every sample uses](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/what-every-sample-uses.md): What one sample consumes, and how far each pack goes
- [Dilution routes](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/dilution-routes.md): Two ways to get the dilution vials your samples need
- [BactoBox®](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/bactobox-r/bactobox-r.md): BactoBox® measures the cells/mL concentration in your sample
- [In the box](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/bactobox-r/bactobox-r/in-the-box.md): What ships with every BactoBox®
- [Tubing kit](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/bactobox-r/bactobox-r/in-the-box/tubing-kit.md): The tubing kit connects your BactoBox® to a vial
- [Vial rack](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/bactobox-r/bactobox-r/in-the-box/vial-rack.md): Holds up to five vials at a time
- [Power supply](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/bactobox-r/bactobox-r/in-the-box/power-supply.md): Use to power your BactoBox®
- [USB cable](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/bactobox-r/bactobox-r/in-the-box/usb-cable.md): Use the USB cable to connect your BactoBox® to your computer
- [Flow cell cover](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/bactobox-r/bactobox-r/in-the-box/flow-cell-cover.md): Covers the flow cell compartment of your BactoBox®
- [Inlet-outlet cover](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/bactobox-r/bactobox-r/in-the-box/inlet-outlet-cover.md): Covers the inlet and outlet of your BactoBox®
- [Technical specification](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/bactobox-r/technical-specification.md)
- [Precision and accuracy](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/bactobox-r/precision-and-accuracy.md)
- [Chemical compatibility](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/bactobox-r/chemical-compatibility.md)
- [Precautions](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/bactobox-r/precautions.md): Things to take into account to ensure safe and proper use of BactoBox®
- [Disposal](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/bactobox-r/disposal.md): Please follow local guidelines for discarding flow cells and consumables
- [BactoBox® configuration](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/bactobox-r/bactobox-r-configuration.md)
- [BactoBox® hardware changelog](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/bactobox-r/bactobox-r-hardware-changelog.md): What we added, changed, or fixed in each hardware version
- [Service agreement](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/service/service-agreement.md): 24-month warranty and 2 × preventive maintenance
- [Preventive maintenance](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/service/preventive-maintenance.md): Annual service that renews the wear parts in your BactoBox® and verifies the unit
- [Dilution dispenser](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/accessories/dilution-dispenser.md): Bottletop dispenser for filling your own dilution vials from bulk liquid
- [Using the dilution dispenser](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/accessories/dilution-dispenser/using-the-dilution-dispenser.md): Assemble the dispenser, fill your vials, and change the filter each day
- [Assemble the dilution dispenser](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/accessories/dilution-dispenser/using-the-dilution-dispenser/assemble-dilution-dispenser.md)
- [Fill your dilution vials](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/accessories/dilution-dispenser/using-the-dilution-dispenser/fill-your-dilution-vials.md)
- [Replace the syringe filter](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/accessories/dilution-dispenser/using-the-dilution-dispenser/replace-syringe-filter.md)
- [Overview](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/consumables/overview.md): The items you use up and reorder
- [Flow cell](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/consumables/flow-cell.md): Use with BactoBox® to measure bacteria. Always provided with two external filters.
- [Getting started bundle](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/consumables/getting-started-bundle.md): Dilution liquid for 100 samples, plus the consumables to keep BactoBox® running
- [Getting started bundle with QC stock](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/consumables/getting-started-bundle-with-qc-stock.md): Dilution liquid for 100 samples, plus the consumables to keep BactoBox® running
- [Dilution liquid: ready-made vials](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/consumables/dilution-liquid-ready-made-vials.md): 100 vials with 10 mL of filtered, gamma-sterilized, conductivity-adjusted dilution liquid.
- [Dilution liquid: bulk](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/consumables/dilution-liquid-bulk.md): 5 L of ready-made dilution liquid, with particle-free vials to fill
- [QC bundle](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/consumables/qc-bundle.md): Quality control solution to verify BactoBox® performance
- [QC vials](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/consumables/qc-vials.md): Ready-made QC vials to verify BactoBox® performance
- [Disinfection vial](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/consumables/disinfection-vial.md): Disinfects BactoBox® during a Clean.
- [Deep clean vial](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/consumables/deep-clean-vial.md): Removes limescale and biofilm during a Deep clean.
- [Cell sieve 10 µm](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/consumables/cell-sieve-10-m.md): Pre-filter your sample to remove larger particles
- [Syringe filter](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/consumables/syringe-filter.md): Sterile-filters the bulk dilution liquid as you dispense it.
- [Glass beads 3 mm](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/consumables/glass-beads-3-mm-50-g.md): Use with a bead beater or vortexer to break up cell clumps.
- [Sample vial](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/vials-you-prepare/sample-vial.md): Measure your sample vial with BactoBox®
- [QC vial](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/vials-you-prepare/qc-vial.md): Use as part of the QC test.
- [Overview](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/individual-items/overview.md): The items that sit inside our sales items
- [Empty vial](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/individual-items/empty-vial.md): Sterile 15 mL vial with a low particle count, which you fill yourself
- [Dilution vial](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/individual-items/dilution-vial.md): Contains 10 mL of filtered, gamma-sterilized, conductivity-adjusted dilution liquid.
- [Dilution liquid (5 L)](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/individual-items/dilution-liquid-5-l.md): Bulk dilution liquid that you filter and fill into empty vials
- [QC stock](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/individual-items/qc-stock.md): Quality control solution used to prepare a QC vial
- [External filter](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/item-register/individual-items/external-filter.md): Place between your BactoBox® and the tubing kit

## Software

- [Software](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/readme.md): The BactoBox® software and its user interfaces
- [BactoBox® software changelog](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/bactobox-r-software-changelog.md): What we added, changed, or fixed in each software version
- [Access](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/access/access.md): Access runs on your computer connected to BactoBox®
- [Components](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/access/components.md): Access has four main components
- [Top bar](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/access/components/top-bar.md): The bar at the top of every page; shows the current page
- [Bottom bar](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/access/components/bottom-bar.md)
- [Page navigation](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/access/components/page-navigation.md)
- [Page content](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/access/components/page-content.md)
- [Pages](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/access/pages.md)
- [Download summary](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/access/pages/download-summary.md): Download measurement files from your BactoBox®
- [Measurements](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/access/pages/measurements.md): Your BactoBox® measurements presented as a spreadsheet
- [Measurement group](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/access/pages/measurement-group.md): Group measurements together for analytics, plotting, and reporting.
- [Basic group type](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/access/pages/measurement-group/basic-group-type.md)
- [Correlation group type](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/access/pages/measurement-group/correlation-group-type.md)
- [Growth curve group type](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/access/pages/measurement-group/growth-curve-group-type.md)
- [Gating](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/access/pages/gating.md): Change the gating settings of your BactoBox®
- [Software update](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/access/pages/software-update.md): Update the software on your BactoBox® device
- [Support](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/access/pages/support.md): Contact our support team directly from Access
- [Backup & restore](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/access/pages/backup-and-restore.md): Backup & restore the software and data of your BactoBox®
- [Dash](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/dash/user-interface.md): Basic user interface built into BactoBox® itself
- [Screens](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/dash/screens.md): The screens of the Dash user interface
- [Buttons](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/dash/buttons.md)
- [Menu system](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/dash/menu-system.md): BactoBox® comes with a menu system that lets users access extra features
- [Delete data](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/dash/delete-data.md)
- [Customizations](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/dash/customizations.md)
- [File formats](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/file-formats/file-formats.md)
- [summary.csv](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/file-formats/download-your-data.md): CSV file that contains your measurements (and more) in tabular form
- [measurements.zip](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/file-formats/measurements.zip.md): ZIP archive that contains a directory of measurement-related files
- [Device data bundle (DDB)](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/file-formats/device-data-bundle-ddb.md): ZIP archive that contains everything from system logs to measurement files
- [SWU file](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/file-formats/swu-file.md): Software update file to update the software of your BactoBox® device
- [CRS file](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/file-formats/crs-file.md): Classification rule set used to customize the Measure program
- [GMI file](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/file-formats/gmi-file.md): Backup of your BactoBox® software and data
- [BDR file](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/file-formats/bdr-file.md): BactoBox®-specific binary file that contains classification metrics for individual objects
- [IQS file](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/file-formats/iqs-file.md): BactoBox®-specific binary file that contains a demodulated data stream
- [Miscellaneous](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/miscellaneous/miscellaneous.md): Other BactoBox® software topics
- [Pilus](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/miscellaneous/pilus.md): Python toolbox for working with BactoBox® data files on your computer
- [Error codes](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/miscellaneous/error-codes.md)
- [What data is shared with SBT](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/miscellaneous/what-data-is-shared-with-sbt.md): What a device data bundle contains and how SBT handles your data
- [Pre-release software](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/miscellaneous/pre-release-software.md)
- [Experimental feature](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/miscellaneous/experimental-feature.md)
- [Known software issues](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/miscellaneous/known-software-issues.md)
- [Software update FAQ](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/software/miscellaneous/software-update-faq.md)

## Advanced

- [Advanced](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/readme.md): Advanced features of BactoBox®.
- [BactoBox® skill levels](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/bactobox-skill-levels.md): Understand BactoBox skill levels and find the pages that take you up to each one.
- [What requires a custom solution](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/advanced-skill-level-vs-advanced-feature.md): Anything advanced, whether a skill level or a feature category, needs a custom solution. Here is the rule, and the difference between the two.
- [What is a custom solution?](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/what-is-a-custom-solution.md): A custom solution is a scoped, best-effort engagement where SBT works towards a specific goal for your specific use case.
- [Prepare sludge and fecal samples](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/advanced-sample-preparation/prepare-sludge-and-fecal-samples.md): Free the bacteria from particles and clumps, then dilute and measure.
- [Prepare your sample](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/advanced-sample-preparation/prepare-your-sample.md)
- [Break up clumps and chains](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/advanced-sample-preparation/break-up-clumps-and-chains.md)
- [Disaggregate mechanically](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/advanced-sample-preparation/break-up-clumps-and-chains/disaggregate-mechanically.md)
- [Disaggregate with surfactant](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/advanced-sample-preparation/break-up-clumps-and-chains/disaggregate-with-surfactant.md)
- [Avoid cell lysis](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/advanced-sample-preparation/break-up-clumps-and-chains/avoid-cell-lysis.md): Sample over time to investigate effectiveness and absence of cell lysis
- [Remove large particles](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/advanced-sample-preparation/remove-large-particles.md)
- [Hit the right concentration](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/advanced-sample-preparation/hit-the-right-concentration.md)
- [Dilute 1:10](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/advanced-sample-preparation/hit-the-right-concentration/dilute-1-10.md)
- [Dilute 1:100](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/advanced-sample-preparation/hit-the-right-concentration/dilute-1-100.md)
- [Dilute 1:1 000](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/advanced-sample-preparation/hit-the-right-concentration/dilute-1-1-000.md)
- [Dilute 1:10 000](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/advanced-sample-preparation/hit-the-right-concentration/dilute-1-10-000.md)
- [Dilute 1:100 000](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/advanced-sample-preparation/hit-the-right-concentration/dilute-1-100-000.md)
- [Concentrate your sample](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/advanced-sample-preparation/hit-the-right-concentration/concentrate-your-sample.md): It is generally not recommended to use BactoBox® for measuring samples with very low bacterial concentrations. This page is a collection of tips and tricks for how to do so.
- [Filter-centrifuge your sample](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/advanced-sample-preparation/hit-the-right-concentration/concentrate-your-sample/filter-centrifuge-your-sample.md)
- [Filter-centrifuge your sample with Vivaspin® 20](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/advanced-sample-preparation/hit-the-right-concentration/concentrate-your-sample/filter-centrifuge-your-sample/filter-centrifuge-your-sample-with-vivaspin-r-20.md)
- [Centrifuge your sample](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/advanced-sample-preparation/hit-the-right-concentration/concentrate-your-sample/centrifuge-your-sample.md)
- [Hit the right conductivity](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/advanced-sample-preparation/hit-the-right-conductivity.md)
- [Make diluent](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/advanced-sample-preparation/hit-the-right-conductivity/make-diluent.md): The Do-It-Yourself (DIY) guide to make diluent
- [Measure conductivity with BactoBox®](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/advanced-sample-preparation/hit-the-right-conductivity/measure-conductivity-with-bactobox-r.md)
- [Focus on target objects](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/advanced-sample-preparation/focus-on-target-objects.md)
- [Measure background particulates](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/advanced-sample-preparation/focus-on-target-objects/measure-particulates-in-growth-medium.md)
- [Is background substantial?](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/advanced-sample-preparation/focus-on-target-objects/is-background-substantial.md)
- [Mitigate high background](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/advanced-sample-preparation/focus-on-target-objects/mitigate-high-background.md)
- [Summary](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/advanced-sample-preparation/focus-on-target-objects/summary.md)
- [Make sample vial](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/advanced-sample-preparation/make-sample-vial.md)
- [How BactoBox® works](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/measurements-explained/what-is-bactobox.md): BactoBox® uses impedance flow cytometry (IFC). That sounds very technical, but let's look at each words one by one in the next sections.
- [Cell size range](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/measurements-explained/cell-size-range.md)
- [Limit of detection](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/measurements-explained/limits-of-detection.md)
- [Gating](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/measurements-explained/gating.md): This page introduces you to the concept of gating and which gating strategies apply depending on your BactoBox® use case.
- [BacTotal-10](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/measurements-explained/gating/bactotal-10.md): Our recommended default measurement program. What it counts, and how that compares to CFU.
- [Legacy gating settings](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/measurements-explained/gating/legacy-gating-settings.md)
- [Custom gating](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/measurements-explained/gating/custom-gating.md): A gate built with SBT, for samples that BacTotal-10 does not fit.
- [Inactivated bacteria](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/measurements-explained/gating/inactivated-bacteria.md)
- [Inactivation by heat](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/measurements-explained/gating/inactivated-bacteria/inactivation-by-heat.md)
- [Inactivation by alcohol](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/measurements-explained/gating/inactivated-bacteria/inactivation-by-alcohol.md)
- [Inactivation by autoclaving](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/measurements-explained/gating/inactivated-bacteria/inactivation-by-autoclaving.md)
- [Effects of aging](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/measurements-explained/gating/inactivated-bacteria/effects-of-aging.md)


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