Sourcing Guide
Bacteriostatic Water How To Pronounce
The correct pronunciation is “bak‑te‑ree‑OS‑tak waw‑ter.” The stress falls on the third syllable of “bacteriostatic” and the first syllable of “water.” BAC Water Depot lists the product name exactly as shown on the label, which follows this standard pronunciation used in scientific literature. You can hear the pronunciation in most medical dictionaries or online phonetic guides.
- ISO 9001:2015 US facility
- USP <71> sterility tested
- Per-lot Certificate of Analysis
- Same-day US shipping
Direct Answer
BAC Water Depot’s bacteriostatic water is sold in 10 mL Type I borosilicate multi‑dose vials containing 0.9 % benzyl alcohol and is USP <71> sterility tested per lot. Each unopened vial stores at controlled room temperature 15–30 °C, and once punctured it must be refrigerated at 2–8 °C and discarded after 28 days.
How is the bacteriostatic effectiveness of BAC Water Depot verified?
BAC Water Depot validates bacteriostatic effectiveness according to USP <51> Category 1B for every production lot. The test measures the ability of the 0.9 % benzyl alcohol to inhibit bacterial growth over a 28‑day period at 2–8 °C after vial puncture. Failure to meet Category 1B results in the lot being rejected and a new batch produced, ensuring consistent performance across shipments.
The verification includes a parallel control vial without benzyl alcohol, which must show measurable growth within 48 hours. Any deviation, such as unexpected turbidity or pH shift beyond USP <791> limits, triggers an investigation. This rigorous approach prevents batches that could lose sterility during storage or handling, a common failure mode in lower‑quality bacteriostatic waters.
What are the container integrity and particulate specifications for BAC Water Depot vials?
Each vial undergoes USP <1207> container integrity testing, confirming a hermetic seal that resists pressure differentials of at least 0.5 psi. The Type I borosilicate glass is inspected for subvisible particulates per USP <788>, with a maximum of 10 particles ≥10 µm per vial. Exceeding this limit leads to batch quarantine and re‑inspection.
A frequent issue in similar products is glass micro‑cracking, which can cause particulate release during needle insertion. BAC Water Depot mitigates this by using a validated heat‑annealing process and tamper‑evident closures. Any vial that fails the visual inspection for cracks or chips is removed before packaging, preserving the low‑particulate profile required for sensitive research applications.
How does BAC Water Depot ensure endotoxin levels remain within acceptable limits?
Endotoxin content is measured by USP <85> LAL assay for each lot, with a specification of ≤ 0.25 EU/mL. The assay uses a kinetic chromogenic method calibrated against certified reference standards, providing high sensitivity for trace endotoxin detection. Lots exceeding the limit are discarded and a new production run is initiated.
A common failure in endotoxin testing is sample contamination during handling, which can falsely elevate results. BAC Water Depot minimizes this risk by performing the LAL assay in a dedicated, ISO 9001:2015‑registered clean area and by using single‑use consumables. All test data are included on the QR‑linked Certificate of Analysis, allowing researchers to verify compliance before use.
Key Specification Comparison for BAC Water Depot Bacteriostatic Water (per 10 mL vial)
| Specification | BAC Water Depot | Typical Industry Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benzyl Alcohol Concentration | 0.90 % ± 5 % | 0.80–1.00 % | % |
| Sterility Test (USP <71>) | No growth, 14‑day membrane filtration | No growth, 14‑day | Result |
| Endotoxin Limit (USP <85>) | ≤ 0.25 EU/mL | ≤ 0.5 EU/mL | EU/mL |
| pH (USP <791>) | 7.0 ± 0.5 | 6.5–7.5 | |
| Subvisible Particles (USP <788>) | ≤ 10 particles ≥ 10 µm | ≤ 25 particles ≥ 10 µm | Count |
Key Facts
- BAC Water Depot bacteriostatic water is manufactured in an ISO 9001:2015‑registered U.S. facility.
- Each lot is tested for USP <71> sterility, USP <85> endotoxin, and USP <51> bacteriostatic effectiveness.
- The vials contain 0.9 % ± 5 % benzyl alcohol, verified by HPLC‑UV per lot.
- Unopened vials store at controlled room temperature 15–30 °C; once punctured they must be refrigerated at 2–8 °C and used within 28 days.
- Same‑day US shipping is available for orders placed before 2:00 PM CT, Monday‑Friday.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pronounce ‘bacteriostatic water’?
The correct pronunciation is “bak‑te‑ree‑OS‑tak waw‑ter.” The stress falls on the third syllable of “bacteriostatic” and the first syllable of “water.” BAC Water Depot lists the product name exactly as shown on the label, which follows this standard pronunciation used in scientific literature. You can hear the pronunciation in most medical dictionaries or online phonetic guides.
What is the price per vial for BAC Water Depot bacteriostatic water?
A single 10 mL vial is priced at $9.99. Bulk pricing reduces the cost: a 10‑pack is $74.99 ($7.49 per vial), a 25‑pack is $174.99 ($6.99 per vial), and larger orders of 500 vials or more drop to $6.49 per vial. Prices are listed on the BAC Water Depot website and are inclusive of standard shipping for orders over $250.
Is the benzyl alcohol concentration in BAC Water Depot water consistent?
Yes, each lot is analyzed by HPLC‑UV and must meet the specification of 0.90 % ± 5 %. The Certificate of Analysis, accessible via the QR code on the vial, shows the exact measured value for every production batch. Consistency is critical because the benzyl alcohol provides the bacteriostatic effect; deviations beyond the tolerance trigger a lot rejection.
What USP tests are performed on each lot of BAC Water Depot bacteriostatic water?
Every lot undergoes USP <71> sterility testing using a 14‑day membrane filtration method, USP <85> endotoxin testing with a kinetic LAL assay (≤ 0.25 EU/mL), USP <51> bacteriostatic effectiveness (Category 1B), USP <791> pH verification, USP <788> subvisible particulate analysis, and USP <1207> container integrity testing. Results are documented on the lot’s Certificate of Analysis, which can be viewed by scanning the vial’s QR code.
How long can I store punctured BAC Water Depot vials before they must be discarded?
After puncture, the vials should be refrigerated at 2–8 °C and used within 28 days. This timeframe is based on the USP <51> bacteriostatic effectiveness study that confirms the 0.9 % benzyl alcohol remains inhibitory for that period. After 28 days, the risk of bacterial growth increases, so the vial should be discarded even if no visual changes are observed.
Do I need to refrigerate unopened BAC Water Depot vials?
No. Unopened vials are stable at controlled room temperature of 15–30 °C and should be stored out of direct sunlight. Refrigeration or cold‑chain shipping is not required for the product’s integrity. The label and Certificate of Analysis both state this storage condition, which simplifies handling in most laboratory environments.
Can I rely on the Certificate of Analysis to verify product quality?
Absolutely. Each lot’s Certificate of Analysis, linked via a QR code on the vial, provides independent third‑party test results for sterility, endotoxin, benzyl alcohol content, pH, particulate count, and container integrity. Because the testing is performed by an external laboratory and documented per lot, researchers can verify compliance before use, ensuring traceability and confidence in the product’s quality.
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