Phase A: QC vial fails

Before you move on

You are here because qualification phase A (CC vial) failed. E.g., the QC test program gave an error, or the concentration was outside the allowed range.

Is this not the case? Then let's reassess the situation. Is it the dilution vial in phase B that fails?

See also BactoBox® acting up?.

Only the QC test program uses error codes 4000–4999 (both inclusive).

The QC test program may also trigger other error codes, e.g., error codes 1000–1199 (both inclusive).

Step by step

Follow the steps below to avoid errors during the QC test program.

1

Check the installation

Location: Ensure the BactoBox® is placed horizontally on a stable surface.

Leak inspection: Verify there are no leaks or moisture, especially around the inlet, outlet, and inside the flow cell compartment.

See Installation for details.

2

Check that everything is correctly in place

Ensure that the tubing kit and external filter is tightly connected to your BactoBox®.

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

You hear two clicks during flow cell installation. Afterwards, it should just feel slightly springy when you press the center part of the flow cell (no more click sounds).
3

Make QC vial with SBT-provided items

Often, the issues are due to in-house or third-party consumables. E.g., do-it-yourself diluent and third-party empty vials.

Use the SBT-provided dilution vial when you make your QC vial.

Run the QC test program again with your new QC vial.

SBT-provided dilution vial

SBT's dilution vial is ready to use

We did everything for you already. SBT has a rigorous quality control procedure to ensure that the dilution vial pairs perfectly with BactoBox®.

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!

4

Replace external filter

Replace the external filter. See Install tubing kit for details.

Run the QC test program again with your new external filter in place and a new QC vial.

Replace the external filter when you replace the flow cell

It is good practice to replace the external filter whenever you replace the flow cell. See Install tubing kit for details.

Qualify your BactoBox® setup when you replace the external filter.

5

Replace flow cell

Replace the flow cell. See Install flow cell for details. Clean your BactoBox® setup once the new flow cell is in place.

Run the QC test program again with your new flow cell in place and a new QC vial.

Clean the flow cell before you remove it

It is good practice to run the Clean program with a disinfection vial before you remove the flow cell.

What about my other flow cell that didn't work?

Try to deep clean your flow cell. This may recover it.

Insert your old flow cell again and run the Deep clean program with a deep clean vial.

6

Verify tubing kit

Check if the tubing kit is of the current version.

The current tubing kit is identified by the purple plug.

Reach out to your SBT sales representative to request a new tubing kit, if necessary.

Tried all of the above

Did you try all of the above and nothing helped?

This is a hardware issue with your BactoBox® setup. Contact us to discuss the matter further.

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