> 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/troubleshooting/qc-test-fails/check-your-consumables.md).

# Check your consumables

Use SBT consumables for all your measurements. When you check if your BactoBox® works, use SBT consumables only.

We recommend SBT consumables for all your measurements, samples included. They rule out many errors that are very hard for us to trace in a sample.

When you check if your BactoBox® works, run every QC test with SBT consumables only. Then the result tells you about your BactoBox®, not about a vial or a liquid. If the QC test passes, a vial or liquid you used before was the cause. If it fails, the cause is in your BactoBox®.

## Step by step

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Check the target concentration

Did the QC vial fail, with code 4010 or 4011? Compare the target concentration you entered with the certificate of analysis for your QC vial. A wrong value makes a good QC vial fail.

Did the blank fail, with code 5010 or 5011? Skip this step.

See [Run QC test](/maintenance/qc-test/run-qc-test.md) for where to find the value.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Use SBT consumables only

Get these ready, all at room temperature:

* 1 × fresh QC vial. Use a [ready-made QC vial](/item-register/consumables/qc-vials.md), or [make one](/maintenance/qc-test/make-qc-vial.md) from SBT [QC stock](/item-register/individual-items/qc-stock.md) and an SBT ready-made [dilution vial](/item-register/individual-items/dilution-vial.md).
* 1 × SBT ready-made [dilution vial](/item-register/individual-items/dilution-vial.md) for the blank. Do not use one you filled yourself.
* 1 × fresh SBT [disinfection vial](/item-register/consumables/disinfection-vial.md).
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Run the QC test

[Run the QC test](/maintenance/qc-test/run-qc-test.md) with these consumables.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Read the result

* **QC test passes.** A vial or liquid you used before caused the failure. Keep using SBT consumables. If you fill dilution vials yourself from SBT bulk liquid, [replace the syringe filter](/more/how-to-guides/replace-syringe-filter.md) at the start of each day, use SBT [empty vials](/item-register/individual-items/empty-vial.md), and fill only the vials you use that day.
* **QC test fails.** [Contact support](/troubleshooting/contact-support.md).
  {% endstep %}
  {% endstepper %}


---

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