# Error about slow/fast flow

## Before you move on

You went through [run-qc-test](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/getting-started/qc-test/run-qc-test "mention") and your BactoBox® setup passed.

Is this not the case? Then let's take a step back. Did the [QC test fail](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/qualification-fails)? Does your BactoBox® [not even power on](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/power-on-fails)?

See also [bactobox-r-acting-up](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/troubleshooting/bactobox-r-acting-up "mention").

<img src="https://4216107837-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FeYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW%2Fuploads%2FlOSev6abpBJfI7mjY8KU%2Ffile.excalidraw.svg?alt=media&#x26;token=5302eb64-7db4-4ce7-94b5-fd6ec9420b05" alt="" class="gitbook-drawing">

## The measurement triggers an error about too slow/fast flow

You run the *Measure* program but it gives an error such as:

* *detected events are too slow/fast*
* *liquid moves slower than expected*
* *concentration/velocity differs between sites*

or something of that nature.

{% hint style="info" %}
Error codes **2000–2999** (both inclusive) relate to the flow paths in your BactoBox® setup.
{% endhint %}

## Step by step

{% 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 %}

### 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 %}

### Check your sample

Before you measure on your own sample again, make sure that you both [break up clumps and chains](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/protocols/prepare-your-sample/break-up-clumps-and-chains) and [remove large particles](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/protocols/prepare-your-sample/remove-large-particles). In general, it is important to [prepare your sample](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/protocols/prepare-your-sample) for use with BactoBox®.
{% 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!


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