# Flow cell does not work

## Before you move on

You are here because your flow cell doesn't work anymore, or because BactoBox® does not register your flow cell.

Is this not the case? Then let's take a step back. [Does your BactoBox® not power on](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/power-on-fails)? [Does the *QC test* program give errors](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/qualification-fails/i-get-error-40xx)?

See also [bactobox-r-acting-up](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/bactobox-r-acting-up "mention").

<figure><img src="https://4216107837-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FeYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW%2Fuploads%2FaOMFhlhOTySUUy0q0unD%2Ftroubleshooting-step-2.excalidraw.svg?alt=media&#x26;token=7b86c0f2-5412-437b-9c8b-216e45206d81" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## It says *flow cell invalid*

This is a hardware issue with your flow cell or your BactoBox® setup. [Contact us](mailto:customersupport@sbtinstruments.com) to discuss the matter further.

## It says *flow cell obsolete*

Your flow cell is outdated and needs replacement. You can not use this flow cell with your BactoBox® anymore.

See the [flow cell](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/encyclopedia/item-register/consumables#flow-cell) page for purchase options.

## It says *flow cell depleted*

Your flow cell is worn out.

{% hint style="info" %}

### The flow cell is worn out after 250 measurements <a href="#the-flow-cell-lasts-for-250-measurements" id="the-flow-cell-lasts-for-250-measurements"></a>

After 250 measurements, the flow cell reaches its usage limit and is automatically locked. This limit is set to guarantee the factory calibration of the flow cell.
{% endhint %}

See the [flow cell](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/encyclopedia/item-register/consumables#flow-cell) page for purchase options.

## It says *flow cell removed*

In other words, it does not detect the flow cell at all.

Press down on the flow cell to ensure that is properly in place. Press down *hard* to be sure.

<figure><img src="https://4216107837-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FeYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW%2Fuploads%2FLqiDfliWi5aLLP9OblFV%2Fflow-cell--simple-outline--click-into-place.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c716ac4b-79e4-4e6f-a4fc-accce74afc32" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>You hear two clicks during <a href="../../getting-started/installation/install-flow-cell">flow cell installation</a>. Afterwards, it should just feel slightly springy when you press the center part of the flow cell (no more click sounds).</p></figcaption></figure>

If the issue persists, then this is a hardware issue with your flow cell or your BactoBox® setup. [Contact our support team](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/contact-our-support-team) to discuss the matter further.