> 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/recover-a-flow-cell.md).

# Recover a flow cell

Deep clean a flow cell that failed the QC test, then test it again.

Limescale and biofilm can build up in a flow cell over time, and make it fail the QC test. A deep clean can remove the build-up. Try the 15-minute deep clean first, and the 10-hour deep clean if that is not enough.

Do this when a new flow cell passed the QC test and the old one failed. See [Check the flow cell](/troubleshooting/qc-test-fails/check-the-flow-cell.md).

## Get things ready

You need these items:

* 1 × the flow cell that failed
* 2 × [deep clean vial](/item-register/consumables/deep-clean-vial.md)
* Everything you need to [run a QC test](/maintenance/qc-test/run-qc-test.md), twice

## Step by step

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Install the flow cell that failed

[Install the flow cell](/getting-started/installation/install-flow-cell.md) that failed the QC test.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Run a 15-minute deep clean

Run a 15-minute [deep clean](/more/how-to-guides/deep-clean-your-setup.md). Then run [Clean](/more/how-to-guides/clean-your-setup.md) with a fresh disinfection vial.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Run a QC test

[Run a QC test](/maintenance/qc-test/run-qc-test.md) with fresh vials. If it passes, the flow cell is ready to use again.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Run a 10-hour deep clean

QC test still fails? Run a 10-hour [deep clean](/more/how-to-guides/deep-clean-your-setup.md). Start it at the end of the day. Then run [Clean](/more/how-to-guides/clean-your-setup.md) with a fresh disinfection vial.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Run a QC test again

[Run a QC test](/maintenance/qc-test/run-qc-test.md) with fresh vials.

* **QC test passes.** The flow cell is ready to use again.
* **QC test fails.** Check the warranty on the [flow cell](/item-register/consumables/flow-cell.md) page. If the flow cell is still under warranty, [contact support](/troubleshooting/contact-support.md). If not, use a new flow cell.
  {% endstep %}
  {% endstepper %}

{% hint style="success" %}

### Always clean between a deep clean and a QC test

Leftover deep clean liquid can make the QC test fail. Run [Clean](/more/how-to-guides/clean-your-setup.md) with a fresh disinfection vial in between.
{% endhint %}


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