# Measure conductivity with BactoBox®

BactoBox® comes with a built-in [electrical conductivity meter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_conductivity_meter). Use the [*Conductivity* program](/encyclopedia/software/user-interface/menu-system.md#conductivity) to measure the electrical conductivity of your vial.

Use the *Conductivity* program to, e.g., ensure that [your Do-It-Yourself (DIY) diluent](/protocols/prepare-your-sample/hit-the-right-conductivity/make-diluent.md) has the right conductivity.

## Get things ready

You need these items:

* 1 × *clean* [BactoBox® setup](/encyclopedia/item-register/bactobox-r.md#bactobox-r-setup)
* 2 × [vials](/encyclopedia/item-register/vials-flasks-and-liquids.md#vials) to measure on. Could be a [dilution vial](/encyclopedia/item-register/vials-flasks-and-liquids/dilution-vial.md) or a [sample vial](/encyclopedia/item-register/vials-flasks-and-liquids/sample-vial.md).

{% hint style="warning" %}

## Clean the BactoBox® setup first

Make sure that you use a *clean* BactoBox® setup. See [Clean](/protocols/best-practices/clean-the-setup.md).
{% endhint %}

## Step by step

We run the *Conductivity* program twice (once for each vial). First, a *trial run* to avoid carry-over from the previous liquid. Then, a *final run* where we note down the result.

{% hint style="info" %}
The [disinfection vial](/encyclopedia/item-register/vials-flasks-and-liquids/disinfection-vial.md) has *zero* conductivity. Even a tiny carry-over from the disinfection vial has a large impact on the conductivity result. This is why the trial run is important.
{% endhint %}

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Trial run

Transfer the tubing kit to the *first* vial.

Run the *Conductivity* program. You find it in the [*Programs* menu](/encyclopedia/software/user-interface/menu-system.md#programs).

{% hint style="info" %}
Press and hold <kbd><mark style="background-color:purple;">Measure<mark style="background-color:purple;"></kbd> for 1 second from the home screen to access the *Programs* menu.
{% endhint %}

**Discard the result.** This is only a trial run.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Final run

Transfer the tubing kit to the *second* vial.

Run the *Conductivity* program.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### That is it!

Use the electrical conductivity from the final run.

**Discard both vials.**

{% hint style="warning" %}

## Your sample vial is for *single use* only

Once you run the liquid through BactoBox®, the properties change *significantly*.

**Always discard your sample vial after use!**
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


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