# QC vial fails

## Before you move on

You are here because [run-qc-test](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/qc-test/run-qc-test "mention") failed on [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).

Is this not the case? Then let's reassess the situation. [Is it the dilution vial that fails](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/qualification-fails/dilution-vial-is-outside..)?

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>

{% hint style="info" %}

## Only the *QC test* program uses error codes **4000–5999** (both inclusive).

The *QC test* program may also trigger other error codes.
{% endhint %}

## Step by step

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

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Check for leaks

Look for droplets or moisture especially near:

* The inlet and outlet of your BactoBox® (where you connect the tubing kit).
* Inside the flow cell compartment (under the flow cell cover). Remove the flow cell to see if there are droplets or moisture underneath.

See [installation](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/installation "mention") for details.

**Power off your BactoBox® if you find a leak inside the flow cell compartment**. Wipe off the liquid with a dry cloth. Wait for it to dry thoroughly. Perform a [QC test](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/qc-test) to ensure that your BactoBox® didn't take permanent damage.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### 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.

<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>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Make QC vial with SBT items

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

Often, the issues are due to in-house or third-party consumables. E.g., [DIY dilution vials](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/protocols/do-it-yourself-diy/assemble-dilution-dispenser) and third-party [empty vials](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/encyclopedia/item-register/vials-flasks-and-liquids/empty-vial).

If you use a DIY dilution vial, try to [replace the syringe filter](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/protocols/do-it-yourself-diy/assemble-dilution-dispenser/replace-syringe-filter).

**Use the SBT** [**dilution vial**](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/encyclopedia/item-register/vials-flasks-and-liquids/dilution-vial) **(bundled as `DV01`)** when you [make your QC vial](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/qc-test/make-qc-vial).

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

<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 (bundled as <code>DV01</code>)</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 QC vial is for *single use* only

Once the liquid passes through BactoBox®, its properties may change. Trace residues of disinfection liquid from the previous cleaning cycle can lower both the conductivity and the concentration of microspheres[^1].

**Always discard the QC vial after use!**
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Replace the external filter

Replace the [external filter](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/encyclopedia/item-register/consumables/external-filter). See [install-tubing-kit](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/installation/install-tubing-kit "mention") for details.

**Perform a** [**QC test**](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/qc-test) **again** with your new external filter in place and a [new QC vial](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/qc-test/make-qc-vial).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Replace the flow cell

Replace the [flow cell](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/encyclopedia/item-register/consumables/flow-cell). See [install-flow-cell](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/installation/install-flow-cell "mention") for details.

<figure><img src="https://4216107837-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FeYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW%2Fuploads%2F9fSahLafs4SK5XmLc2pn%2Finsert-flow-cell--short.avif?alt=media&#x26;token=f63fbfd8-72f2-461e-bd61-ac9f1bf103ee" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Perform a** [**QC test**](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/qc-test) **again** with your new flow cell in place and a [new QC vial](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/qc-test/make-qc-vial).

{% hint style="success" %}
[Clean](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/protocols/best-practices/clean-the-setup) the flow cell before you remove it.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}

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

First try the 15-min [*Deep clean*](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/protocols/best-practices/deep-clean-1) program on your flow cell. If the issue persists, try the 10-hour *Deep clean* program.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Verify tubing kit

Check if the [tubing kit](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/encyclopedia/item-register/accessories/tubing-kit) is of the current version.

<figure><img src="https://4216107837-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FeYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW%2Fuploads%2F7oukBKFgNlsgCn2FBu8R%2FTK%20ver%203.0%20-%20Copy.JPG?alt=media&#x26;token=3fae7a7b-4e71-4b2c-ac97-8ffb40becc78" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>The current tubing kit is identified by the purple plug.</p></figcaption></figure>

**Reach out to your SBT sales representative** to request a new tubing kit, if necessary.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## 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 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!

[^1]: Microspheres are spherical (1 μm diameter) silica particles.


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