# Dilution vial fails

## Before you move on

You are here because the QC test failed. E.g., the measurement gave an error, or the concentration was outside the allowed range.

**This assumes that** [**Measure on QC vial**](https://app.gitbook.com/o/nVB1sdBpSK6KtMryGR7F/s/eYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW/~/changes/510/getting-started/run-a-qc-test/~/comments#measure-on-qc-vial) **passed!**

Is this not the case? Then let's take a step back. Is it the [measurement on the QC vial that failed](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%2Ftqbau1yifj2k6bV43G7C%2Ftroubleshooting-step-3.excalidraw.svg?alt=media&#x26;token=1c112a1f-ca78-4da0-b542-31ac2231ac8e" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Step by step

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Replace the syringe filter on your dilution dispenser

{% hint style="success" %}
Skip this step if you use the SBT dilution vial (bundled as `DV01`)
{% endhint %}

First of all, make sure that your dilution dispenser has a syringe filter on the outlet as shown here:

<figure><img src="https://4216107837-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FeYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW%2Fuploads%2F9LRNLykFeMohnNmM5p1H%2Fsyringe%20filter%20on%20ejection%20unit.JPG?alt=media&#x26;token=c4964561-1f5e-41bf-9594-50c7d6abbba2" alt="" width="188"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The syringe filter clogs over time and gets contaminated. In this case, replace the syringe filter as shown here:

<figure><img src="https://4216107837-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FeYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW%2Fuploads%2FINxlWvWom7qJtYij7JTn%2FReplace_syringe_filter.avif?alt=media&#x26;token=46c5500b-c58d-4b06-b008-d04df397892b" alt="" width="188"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Perform a** [**QC test**](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/qc-test) **again** with a new dilution vial.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Try with another brand of empty vial

{% hint style="success" %}
Skip this step if you already use the SBT dilution vial (bundled as `DV01`)
{% endhint %}

Third-party empty vials may contain a surprising number of loose particles. Even empty vials from name brands.

When you make your dilution vial (e.g., with the dilution dispenser), use the SBT empty vial (bundled as `VI06`) instead.

**Perform a** [**QC test**](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/qc-test) **again** with a new dilution vial.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Use an SBT dilution vial

{% hint style="success" %}
Skip this step if you already use the SBT dilution vial (bundled as `DV01`)
{% endhint %}

It is tricky to make a proper dilution vial yourself. You may get errors even with a syringe filter in place and an SBT empty vial (bundled as `VI06`). Therefore, we offer the option to buy ready-to-use dilution vials (bundled as `DV01`).

**Perform a** [**QC test**](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/qc-test) **again** with an SBT [dilution vial](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/encyclopedia/item-register/vials-flasks-and-liquids/dilution-vial) (bundled as `DV01`).

<figure><img src="https://4216107837-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FeYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW%2Fuploads%2FcUYcPS6dF2KHKgbkIwbT%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=1e29f2e2-fdc4-43b1-bc8f-d121e4e1847f" alt=""><figcaption><p>SBT dilution vial</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="success" %}

## Use the SBT dilution vial (bundled as `DV01`)

The SBT dilution vial pairs perfectly with your BactoBox®. It avoids all the [pitfalls of DIY dilution vials](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/qualification-fails/dilution-vial-is-outside..).

The SBT dilution vial is filtered, conductivity-adjusted, and long-term stable thanks to gamma radiation sterilization.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}

## The dilution vial is for *single use* only

Discard the dilution vial after use. Once it's been through BactoBox®, we can no longer guarantee the sterility and purity.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Tried all of the above <a href="#tried-all-of-the-above" id="tried-all-of-the-above"></a>

Did you try all of the above and nothing helped?​

This is a hardware issue with your BactoBox® setup. [Contact our support team](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/contact-our-support-team) to discuss the matter further. Make sure to mention it if you found:

* A leak inside the flow cell compartment
* Sign of corrosion or deterioration inside the flow cell department
* Broken or loose inlet/outlet (where you connect the tubing kit to your BactoBox®)
* Rattling or loose components
* In general, hardware damage of any kind

If possible, include pictures of the problem. This helps us help you faster!