Make QC vial

Simply put, a QC vial contains diluted QC stock

We mix the QC stock and the dilution liquid to make a QC vial. The components are simple but it is important to pay attention to detail when preparing the QC vial. Below, we guide you on how to make a QC vial the right way.

Get things ready

You need these items:

  • 1 × dilution vial

  • 1 × QC stock

  • 1 × vortex mixer (not part of packaging)

  • 1 × P200 pipette (not part of packaging)

Step by step

1

Shake QC stock

Shake the QC stock vigorously for at least 30 seconds to uniformly suspend the microspheres within.

Shake QC stock by hand for at least 30 seconds.

Do not use a vortex mixer on the QC stock

A vortex mixer does not properly suspend the microspheres within. Instead, shake the QC stock by hand for at least 30 seconds.

2

Transfer QC stock

Use a P200 pipette to transfer 101 µL of QC stock to the dilution vial. As a good laboratory practice, label the vial with “QC” to clearly identify it as the QC vial.

Transfer from QC stock to dilution vial. Put a "QC" label on the vial.

Use SBT's dilution vial

To minimize uncertainty during the qualification procedure, it's best to use SBT’s dilution vials. These vials are filtered, have the correct conductivity, and are long-term stable thanks to gamma radiation sterilization. As a result, they offer a more reliable option for verifying that the BactoBox® setup is functioning properly.

It may be tempting to use in-house or third-party diluent or vials. However, this introduces an element of uncertainty that you don't want for the qualification procedure.

The P200 pipette is not part of the packaging. You must acquire a P200 pipette yourself.

3

Mix QC vial

Mix the QC vial to uniformly suspend the microspheres. There are two options: Mix with vortex mixer or mix by hand.

We recommend that you use a vortex mixer to mix the QC vial.

Place QC vial on vortex mixer and mix for 30 seconds at max

Ensure that a vortex/cyclone forms in the liquid.

The vortex mixer is not part of the packaging. You must acquire a vortex mixer yourself.

4

That is it!

You now have a QC vial.

The QC vial is for single use only

Once the liquid passes through the BactoBox®, its properties may change. Trace residues of disinfection liquid from the previous cleaning cycle can lower both the conductivity and the concentration of silica microspheres.

Always discard the QC vial after use!

What are microspheres?

Microspheres are spherical (1 μm diameter) silica particles.

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