Sourcing Guide
Bacteriostatic Water How Long
Unopened BAC Water Depot vials should be stored at controlled room temperature between 15 °C and 30 °C, away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration or cold‑chain shipping is required. The expiration date printed on the label and the Certificate of Analysis indicates the final usable date. Maintaining this temperature range preserves the 0.9 % benzyl alcohol preservative and the USP‑tested sterility of the solution.
- ISO 9001:2015 US facility
- USP <71> sterility tested
- Per-lot Certificate of Analysis
- Same-day US shipping
Direct Answer
Bacteriostatic water from BAC Water Depot remains usable for 28 days after the vial is punctured. Unopened vials store at controlled room temperature 15–30 °C, each lot is USP <71> sterility‑tested, and the single‑vial price is $9.99.
How long does bacteriostatic water stay sterile after opening?
Once a BAC Water Depot vial is punctured, the 0.9 % benzyl alcohol preservative maintains bacteriostatic conditions for up to 28 days when the container is refrigerated at 2–8 °C. During this period, the solution must remain sealed with the tamper‑evident cap to prevent external contamination; repeated needle insertions can compromise the seal and accelerate microbial growth, especially if the cap is not fully tightened after each use. Users should label the vial with the date of first puncture and discard any remaining liquid after the 28‑day window, regardless of visual appearance.
If a punctured vial is left at room temperature for an extended period, the preservative may be less effective, so follow the recommended storage guidelines. A common failure mode is the formation of micro-bubbles that indicate gas production from bacterial metabolism; such vials should be discarded immediately. To minimize risk, store the opened vial in a dedicated refrigerator compartment away from food items and avoid temperature fluctuations caused by frequent door openings.
What are the key quality specifications for BAC Water Depot bacteriostatic water?
Each lot of BAC Water Depot bacteriostatic water undergoes independent third‑party testing that includes USP <71> sterility (14‑day membrane filtration with no growth), USP <85> bacterial endotoxin (≤ 0.25 EU/mL), and USP <51> bacteriostatic effectiveness (Category 1B). The solution also meets USP <791> pH specifications (typically 6.5–7.5) and USP <788> subvisible particulate limits (≤ 10 particles ≥ 25 µm per mL). These results are published on the lot’s Certificate of Analysis, accessible via the QR code on each vial, ensuring traceability and repeatable quality for every purchase.
The container itself is a Type I borosilicate multi‑dose vial with a tamper‑evident closure, validated for container integrity under USP <1207>. Benzyl alcohol content is confirmed by HPLC‑UV to be 0.90 % ± 5 %, and microbial DNA is screened by a validated PCR assay with no detectable DNA. Any deviation from these specifications triggers a lot rejection, and the affected vials are removed from inventory before shipment.
How should researchers handle shipping and receipt of bacteriostatic water?
BAC Water Depot ships all orders from a Dallas, TX fulfillment center using standard US parcel services; orders placed before 2:00 PM CT Monday‑Friday are dispatched the same business day. Because the product is stable at controlled room temperature, no cold‑chain logistics are required, and the vials arrive at ambient temperature (15–30 °C). Upon receipt, researchers should inspect the tamper‑evident seal for any breach and verify the lot number against the QR‑code link to confirm the Certificate of Analysis before use.
If a shipment arrives with a damaged seal or visible cracks in the glass, the vial must be rejected and returned for a replacement, as container integrity failures can allow microbial ingress. Additionally, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during transit can raise the vial temperature above the recommended range, potentially affecting the benzyl alcohol preservative; storage in a shaded area is advisable.
Key Storage and Stability Parameters for BAC Water Depot Bacteriostatic Water
| Condition | Temperature Range | Duration | Action Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unopened vial | 15–30 °C | Until expiration date on label | Store at controlled room temperature, no refrigeration |
| Opened vial (refrigerated) | 2–8 °C | 28 days | Keep sealed, discard after 28 days |
| Opened vial (room temp >24 h) | 15–30 °C | ≤ 24 h | Return to 2–8 °C promptly; monitor for cloudiness |
| Damaged seal | Any | Immediately | Discard vial; contact supplier for replacement |
Key Facts
- BAC Water Depot bacteriostatic water contains 0.9 % benzyl alcohol as a preservative.
- Each lot is USP <71> sterility‑tested with no microbial growth observed after 14 days.
- The product is manufactured in an ISO 9001:2015‑registered facility in the United States.
- Every lot has an independent third‑party Certificate of Analysis accessible via a QR code.
- Single‑vial price is $9.99; bulk pricing starts at $6.49 per vial for orders of 500+.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended storage temperature for unopened bacteriostatic water?
Unopened BAC Water Depot vials should be stored at controlled room temperature between 15 °C and 30 °C, away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration or cold‑chain shipping is required. The expiration date printed on the label and the Certificate of Analysis indicates the final usable date. Maintaining this temperature range preserves the 0.9 % benzyl alcohol preservative and the USP‑tested sterility of the solution.
How long can I keep bacteriostatic water after I puncture the vial?
After the vial is punctured, refrigerate it at 2–8 °C and use it within 28 days. After a vial is punctured, it should be refrigerated and used within 28 days. Discard any remaining liquid after the 28-day period, even if the solution appears clear. This guidance aligns with the USP <51> bacteriostatic effectiveness category.
Is the bacteriostatic water sterile when I receive it?
Yes. Each lot undergoes USP <71> sterility testing using a 14‑day membrane filtration method, and the results are published on the lot’s Certificate of Analysis. The independent third‑party laboratory confirms no microbial growth before the product leaves the ISO‑registered facility. Researchers can verify sterility by scanning the QR code on the vial to view the CoA.
Can I ship bacteriostatic water internationally?
BAC Water Depot ships domestically from its US fulfillment center with same‑day dispatch for orders placed before 2:00 PM CT. International shipping is not offered through the standard catalog, and the product’s stability specifications are defined for controlled room temperature (15–30 °C) without cold‑chain logistics. For overseas projects, researchers should arrange a local distributor that can meet the same storage conditions.
What should I do if the vial’s tamper‑evident seal is broken on arrival?
A broken seal indicates potential loss of container integrity, which can allow microbial contamination. Discard the vial immediately and contact BAC Water Depot for a replacement. The lot number on the vial can be used to verify the Certificate of Analysis, ensuring the replacement comes from a lot that passed USP <71> sterility and USP <85> endotoxin testing.
How does the benzyl alcohol concentration affect the solution’s usability?
If the concentration falls outside the 0.90 % ± 5 % specification, the preservative effect may be reduced, leading to faster microbial proliferation. Each lot’s benzyl alcohol content is confirmed by HPLC-UV and listed on the Certificate of Analysis.
What are the pricing options for bulk purchases of bacteriostatic water?
BAC Water Depot offers a single 10 mL vial for $9.99. Tiered bulk pricing reduces the per‑vial cost: 10‑pack at $7.49 each, 25‑pack at $6.99 each, and larger orders of 500 vials or more at $6.49 per vial. Free standard shipping is provided on orders over $250, up to 100 vials, and orders placed before 2:00 PM CT Monday‑Friday ship the same business day.
Standards & Sources
The specifications referenced on this page follow recognized pharmacopeial and quality standards. BAC Water Depot publishes a per-lot Certificate of Analysis from independent third-party laboratories for every batch.
- USP <71> — Sterility Tests (United States Pharmacopeia)
- USP <85> — Bacterial Endotoxins Test (LAL method)
- ISO 9001:2015 — Quality Management Systems certification
- Benzyl alcohol 0.9% w/v — the bacteriostatic preservative standard for multi-dose vials