# Conductivity too high

## Introduction

The high conductivity errors (error 1201 and 1205) typically occur when your sample vial is not diluted enough. These errors may also result from an incorrect composition of the diluent.

## Step by step

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Check if the diluent has the right conductivity

Ensure that the diluent has a conductivity of 1850 ± 50 µS/cm. Use the [Measure conductivity with BactoBox®](/protocols/prepare-your-sample/hit-the-right-conductivity/measure-conductivity-with-bactobox-r.md) to check whether this is the case.

When ambient temperatures exceed 25°C, consider using higher sample dilutions. Alternatively, [make a custom diluent](/protocols/prepare-your-sample/hit-the-right-conductivity/make-diluent.md) with reduced PBS. Ensure the diluent is sterile-filtered on the day of use.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Check if the bacterial sample has been appropriately diluted

Some cultivation media have very high conductivity and it is necessary to dilute more than 1:100. Transfer 50 µL of sample to 10 mL of diluent, to get a 1:201 dilution. Usually this will bring the conductivity within the acceptable range. See the section [Hit the right concentration](/protocols/prepare-your-sample/hit-the-right-concentration.md) for more information on dilution factors.
{% 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](/troubleshooting/contact-our-support-team.md) 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!


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