> 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/maintenance/qc-test/run-qc-test.md).
# Run a QC test
Measure a QC vial and a blank to check that BactoBox® measures correctly.
## You need these items
* 1 × [BactoBox®](/item-register/bactobox-r/bactobox-r.md) setup
* 1 × [Disinfection vial](/item-register/consumables/disinfection-vial.md)
* 1 × [Dilution vial](/item-register/individual-items/dilution-vial.md)
* 1 × [QC vial](/item-register/vials-you-prepare/qc-vial.md)
## Step-by-step guide
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
### Get a QC vial
**Ready-made QC vials (QC07).** Cut out only one vial at a time.
**QC stock (QC04, QC05 or QC06).** [Make a QC vial from QC stock](/maintenance/qc-test/make-qc-vial.md) first.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Start the *QC test* program
Press and hold Measure until the *Programs* menu appears.
Press Measure again briefly to select the *QC test* program. In the QC program Measure works as the OK action from the lower bar on the BactoBox® screen.
Use the buttons to set the target concentration as shown in the video. On a ready-made QC vial, the value is in the center of the sticker. If you made the QC vial from QC stock, the value is on the certificate of analysis that comes with the QC stock.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Clean the setup
Transfer the tubing kit to the disinfection vial.
Press OK to start the *Clean* program.
{% hint style="info" %}
If you already followed [Clean your setup](/more/how-to-guides/clean-your-setup.md), BactoBox® automatically skips this step.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Measure on QC vial
Shake the vial vigorously for 10 seconds. The beads settle over time, so shaking is needed to make the suspension even.
* Transfer the tubing kit to the QC vial.
* Press Measure (OK) to start the measurement.
* Press Measure (OK) to proceed from the result screen.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Clean the setup
Transfer the tubing kit to the disinfection vial and press Measure (OK) to clean. This rinses out residual silica beads.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Measure on dilution vial
Use the dilution vial with nothing added to it. Transfer the tubing kit to the dilution vial and press Measure (OK) to proceed.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### That is it!
You get the :check-double: screen when both the QC vial and the dilution vial meet the specification. BactoBox® is now ready to measure samples. The QC test also calibrates CIZE for the mounted flow cell.
{% hint style="info" %}
**Discard the QC vial and the dilution vial**. They are for *single use* only.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
{% hint style="danger" %}
### Did errors occur?
If an error occurs, or if **total/mL** is outside the limits, the program returns to the previous step to repeat the QC test with fresh reagents.
See [QC test fails](/troubleshooting/qc-test-fails.md) for a troubleshooting guide.
{% endhint %}
## Run the QC test in Access
If your BactoBox® is connected to [Access](/more/software.md), run the QC test from your computer. Access guides you through the QC test on screen. Each step unlocks once the previous step completes.
1. In the bottom bar of Access, click the arrow to the right of Clean and pick *QC test*.
2. Follow the four steps on screen. They are the same steps as on your BactoBox®, described above.
3. At the second step, enter the target concentration in million particles/mL, for example `2.08`. Take it from the sticker on a ready-made QC vial, or from the certificate of analysis for QC stock.
Access guides you through the QC test, one step at a time.
The pass limits are the same as on your BactoBox®. Access stores each QC test in the *QC test* measurement group, so you can follow your QC results over time.
---
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