Sourcing Guide
Bacteriostatic Water How To Use
BAC Water Depot bacteriostatic water consists of sterile water for injection with 0.9 % benzyl alcohol added as a preservative. The solution is packaged in 10 mL Type I borosilicate multi‑dose vials. Each lot is tested for sterility (USP <71>) and endotoxin levels (USP <85>) before release. The product is intended for research use only and is not approved for clinical applications.
- 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 vial costs $9.99, stores unopened at 15–30 °C, and once punctured must be refrigerated 2–8 °C and used within 28 days.
How should I store bacteriostatic water for research?
Unopened vials of BAC Water Depot bacteriotic water must be kept at controlled room temperature between 15 °C and 30 °C, away from direct sunlight, with no refrigeration or cold‑chain shipping required. The label and the lot‑specific Certificate of Analysis (CoA) provide the expiration date, after which the product should be discarded. A common failure mode is exposure to temperatures above 30 °C, which can degrade the benzyl alcohol preservative and increase microbial risk, rendering the vial unsuitable for further use.
After the first puncture, the vial should be placed in a refrigerator set to 2 °C–8 °C and the seal must be kept intact. The CoA specifies a 28‑day usage window post‑puncture; exceeding this period can allow bacterial growth despite the bacteriostatic agent. Researchers often forget to log the puncture date, leading to accidental use beyond the recommended window and compromising experimental integrity.
What quality 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, ensuring no microbial growth. In addition, bacterial endotoxin levels are measured by USP <85> LAL assay and must not exceed 0.25 EU/mL. The benzyl alcohol concentration is verified by HPLC‑UV to be 0.90 % ± 5 %, and pH is confirmed according to USP <791>. These tests are performed by an independent third‑party laboratory and the results are published on the QR‑linked CoA for each lot.
Further validation includes microbial DNA analysis by a validated PCR assay (no detectable DNA), subvisible particulate assessment per USP <788>, and container integrity testing per USP <1207>. Failure to meet any specification results in the lot being rejected and not released for sale. Researchers should review the CoA before purchase to confirm that all critical parameters meet the required limits.
How do I handle a punctured vial to maintain sterility?
When accessing a BAC Water Depot vial, use a sterile, single-use syringe and needle, and puncture the rubber stopper at a 90-degree angle to minimize stress on the seal. Record the date and time of the first puncture on the vial label; this timestamp is essential for tracking the 28-day post-puncture discard window.
A frequent error is re‑penetrating the same puncture site multiple times without allowing the stopper to recover, which can create micro‑tears and introduce contaminants. If the stopper appears compromised—e.g., torn, sticky, or leaking—discard the vial regardless of the remaining time. Maintaining a clean work surface and using aseptic technique throughout the process further reduces the risk of contaminating the bacteriostatic solution.
Pricing and shipping thresholds for BAC Water Depot bacteriostatic water
| Pack Size | Price per Vial | Total Price | Free Shipping Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 vial | $9.99 | $9.99 | $250 |
| 10‑vial pack | $7.49 | $74.99 | $250 |
| 25‑vial pack | $6.99 | $174.99 | $250 |
| Bulk (500+) | $6.49 | Varies | $250 |
Key Facts
- BAC Water Depot bacteriostatic water is manufactured in the USA at an ISO 9001:2015‑registered facility.
- Each vial contains 0.9 % benzyl alcohol as a bacteriostatic agent.
- Lot‑specific Certificates of Analysis are accessible via a QR code on each vial.
- USP <71> sterility testing shows no microbial growth after 14‑day membrane filtration.
- Orders placed before 2:00 PM CT Monday‑Friday ship the same business day from Dallas, TX.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the composition of BAC Water Depot bacteriostatic water?
BAC Water Depot bacteriostatic water consists of sterile water for injection with 0.9 % benzyl alcohol added as a preservative. The solution is packaged in 10 mL Type I borosilicate multi‑dose vials. Each lot is tested for sterility (USP <71>) and endotoxin levels (USP <85>) before release. The product is intended for research use only and is not approved for clinical applications.
Can I use BAC Water Depot bacteriostatic water for cell culture media preparation?
Yes, researchers commonly use BAC Water Depot bacteriostatic water to reconstitute lyophilized compounds for cell culture. The 0.9 % benzyl alcohol helps prevent bacterial growth during the preparation window. Remember to keep the vial refrigerated after the first puncture and to discard it after 28 days to avoid contamination. Always verify the lot’s CoA to ensure sterility and endotoxin specifications meet your experimental requirements.
How does the USP <71> sterility test work for each lot?
USP <71> sterility testing involves filtering 10 mL of the product through a 0.45 µm membrane, then incubating the membrane in two separate culture media for 14 days. No microbial growth indicates a passing result. BAC Water Depot submits each lot to an independent laboratory for this test, and the results are posted on the QR‑linked Certificate of Analysis. A failed test would prevent the lot from being released for sale.
What is the recommended shelf life for unopened BAC Water Depot vials?
Unopened vials retain full potency when stored at controlled room temperature of 15 °C–30 °C, away from direct sunlight. The expiration date is printed on the vial label and confirmed on the lot’s CoA. Because the product contains benzyl alcohol, it does not require refrigeration before opening, simplifying storage in most laboratory environments.
How many vials can I order to qualify for free standard shipping?
Free standard shipping is applied to orders of $250 or more, which typically means purchasing 25 vials or more at the listed prices. For example, a 25‑vial pack costs $174.99, so adding a second pack or additional single vials will exceed the $250 threshold and qualify for free shipping. Shipping is handled from a US fulfillment center in Dallas, TX.
Is the benzyl alcohol concentration consistent across all lots?
Yes, each lot is analyzed by HPLC‑UV to confirm benzyl alcohol content at 0.90 % ± 5 %. This specification is listed on the Certificate of Analysis for every lot, ensuring consistent preservative levels. Consistency is critical for reproducibility in research protocols that rely on the bacteriostatic effect of the solution.
What should I do if a vial shows cloudiness after refrigeration?
Cloudiness can indicate precipitation of the benzyl alcohol or contamination. First, check the expiration date and ensure the vial has not exceeded the 28‑day post‑puncture window. If the vial is within its usable period, inspect the rubber stopper for damage; a compromised seal can allow microbes to enter. When in doubt, discard the vial and reference the lot’s CoA to verify that the original sterility and endotoxin tests were passed.
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