Sourcing Guide
Bacteriostatic Water Vs Hospira
Yes, BAC Water Depot provides USP‑grade bacteriostatic water that meets USP <71> sterility and USP <85> endotoxin limits, making it appropriate for sterile cell culture work. The 0.90 % benzyl alcohol preservative helps prevent bacterial contamination during multi‑day experiments. Researchers should store unopened vials at 15–30 °C and refrigerate after the first puncture, discarding the vial after 28 days to maintain sterility. The per‑lot Certificate of Analysis allows labs to verify each batch before use.
- 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 USP‑grade, 0.9 % benzyl alcohol, sold in 10 mL Type I borosilicate vials for research use only. Each vial retails for $9.99 and every lot passes USP <71> sterility testing.
What are the key quality specifications of BAC Water Depot bacteriostatic water compared to Hospira?
BAC Water Depot’s product is manufactured in an ISO 9001:2015‑registered U.S. facility and each lot includes a QR‑linked Certificate of Analysis that documents USP <71> sterility (no growth after 14‑day membrane filtration), USP <85> endotoxin ≤ 0.25 EU/mL, and USP <51> bacteriostatic effectiveness (Category 1B). By contrast, Hospira’s bacteriostatic water is typically supplied in 5 mL glass vials and does not publicly provide per‑lot PCR microbial DNA analysis, making independent verification more difficult for researchers who require traceable data. A common failure mode for both brands is loss of sterility after the vial is punctured; however, BAC Water Depot mitigates this by recommending refrigeration at 2–8 °C and discarding after 28 days, a protocol that aligns with USP guidelines. Users have reported occasional particulate formation when vials are shaken vigorously; BAC Water Depot’s subvisible particulate testing (USP <788>) sets a limit of ≤ 10 particles ≥ 10 µm per vial, helping to identify compromised containers before use.
How does the pricing and bulk purchasing structure of BAC Water Depot compare to Hospira?
BAC Water Depot offers a transparent tiered pricing model: $9.99 for a single 10 mL vial, $74.99 for a 10‑pack ($7.49 each), $174.99 for a 25‑pack ($6.99 each), and bulk discounts down to $6.49 per vial for orders of 500 vials or more. Shipping is free on orders over $250 (up to 100 vials) and same‑day dispatch from Dallas, TX for orders placed before 2:00 PM CT, Monday‑Friday. Hospira’s catalog typically lists a flat price of $12–$15 per 10 mL vial with no publicly disclosed bulk tiers, and shipping costs are added per order, which can increase total spend for large‑scale projects. Researchers often encounter hidden costs when purchasing from distributors that bundle multiple brands; BAC Water Depot’s per‑lot CoA eliminates the need for separate analytical verification, reducing overall laboratory overhead. A failure point to watch is the potential for price‑inflation on short‑notice orders; because BAC Water Depot requires a minimum processing window for same‑day shipping, orders placed after the cutoff may be delayed, but the price remains unchanged, whereas some vendors raise rush‑order fees.
What are the storage and handling requirements for BAC Water Depot bacteriostatic water and how do they affect experimental stability?
Unopened vials store at controlled room temperature 15–30 °C, no refrigeration and no cold‑chain shipping; once punctured, refrigerate at 2–8 °C and discard after 28 days; the expiration date is on the label and the CoA. This storage regime preserves the 0.9 % benzyl alcohol preservative activity and maintains sterility as defined by USP <71>. In practice, maintaining the temperature range prevents benzyl alcohol evaporation, which can otherwise reduce bacteriostatic effectiveness and increase the risk of microbial growth during multi‑day use. A frequent handling error is repeated needle puncture of the same septum, which can compromise the tamper‑evident closure and introduce particulates. BAC Water Depot’s container integrity test (USP <1207>) verifies seal performance, but laboratories should limit punctures to a single entry per vial and use sterile syringes. Failure to refrigerate after opening accelerates benzyl alcohol degradation, potentially raising endotoxin levels beyond the ≤ 0.25 EU/mL limit documented on the CoA.
Specification comparison: BAC Water Depot vs. Hospira bacteriostatic water (research grade)
| Brand | Benzyl Alcohol % | USP Sterility Test | Price per 10 mL Vial | Storage Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAC Water Depot | 0.90 % ± 5 % | USP <71> – No growth (14‑day) | $9.99 (single) | Room temp 15–30 °C; refrigerate 2–8 °C after opening |
| Hospira | 0.90 % (stated) | USP <71> – No growth (14‑day) | $13.50 (catalog) | Room temp 15–30 °C; refrigerate 2–8 °C after opening |
| BAC Water Depot Bulk 100‑vial | 0.90 % ± 5 % | USP <71> – No growth (14‑day) | $7.49 | Room temp 15–30 °C; refrigerate 2–8 °C after opening |
| Hospira Bulk (if available) | 0.90 % (stated) | USP <71> – No growth (14‑day) | $12.00 | Room temp 15–30 °C; refrigerate 2–8 °C after opening |
Key Facts
- BAC Water Depot bacteriostatic water is packaged in 10 mL Type I borosilicate multi‑dose vials.
- Each lot is tested for sterility using USP <71> membrane filtration with a 14‑day observation period.
- Benzyl alcohol content is verified by HPLC‑UV at 0.90 % ± 5 % per USP <791>.
- The product is manufactured in an ISO 9001:2015‑registered facility in Dallas, TX, USA.
- Orders placed before 2:00 PM CT Monday‑Friday ship the same business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BAC Water Depot bacteriostatic water suitable for cell culture research?
Yes, BAC Water Depot provides USP‑grade bacteriostatic water that meets USP <71> sterility and USP <85> endotoxin limits, making it appropriate for sterile cell culture work. The 0.90 % benzyl alcohol preservative helps prevent bacterial contamination during multi‑day experiments. Researchers should store unopened vials at 15–30 °C and refrigerate after the first puncture, discarding the vial after 28 days to maintain sterility. The per‑lot Certificate of Analysis allows labs to verify each batch before use.
How does the price of BAC Water Depot compare to other research‑grade bacteriostatic water brands?
BAC Water Depot charges $9.99 for a single 10 mL vial, with tiered discounts that drop to $6.49 per vial for orders of 500 vials or more. By contrast, many competing brands list prices between $12 and $15 per vial without public bulk discounts. The transparent pricing and free standard shipping on orders over $250 can reduce overall project costs, especially for laboratories ordering large quantities. Same‑day shipping from the U.S. fulfillment center further adds value for time‑sensitive studies.
What quality documentation does BAC Water Depot provide for each lot?
Every lot of BAC Water Depot bacteriostatic water includes a QR‑coded Certificate of Analysis that is hosted at bacwaterdepot.com/coa/<lot‑number>. The CoA documents USP <71> sterility results, USP <85> endotoxin levels (≤ 0.25 EU/mL), benzyl alcohol content, pH, subvisible particulate count, and container integrity testing. Because the analysis is performed by an independent third‑party laboratory, researchers can independently verify that each batch meets the stated specifications before use in critical experiments.
Can I use BAC Water Depot bacteriostatic water for animal research protocols?
BAC Water Depot’s product is labeled for research‑use‑only and is not intended for clinical or veterinary administration. It meets USP sterility and endotoxin criteria, which are often required for preclinical animal studies, but investigators must follow institutional animal care guidelines and obtain appropriate approvals. The product’s 0.90 % benzyl alcohol preservative may affect certain animal models, so a pilot test is recommended. Storage and handling instructions (room temperature storage, refrigerate after opening, discard after 28 days) should be strictly followed to maintain integrity.
What are common reasons for batch failure in bacteriostatic water products?
Batch failures typically arise from compromised sterility, excessive endotoxin levels, or deviation in benzyl alcohol concentration. For BAC Water Depot, each lot undergoes USP <71> sterility testing and USP <85> endotoxin analysis; any growth or endotoxin above 0.25 EU/mL results in batch rejection. Improper sealing can lead to container integrity failures (USP <1207>), and repeated puncturing of the septum may introduce particulates, which are detected by USP <788> subvisible particle testing. Laboratories should inspect vials for seal damage before use.
How long can I keep BAC Water Depot bacteriostatic water after opening?
Once a vial is punctured, BAC Water Depot recommends refrigerating it at 2–8 °C and discarding it after 28 days. This timeframe aligns with USP guidelines for maintaining the bacteriostatic effect of 0.90 % benzyl alcohol. Keeping the opened vial beyond this period can lead to degradation of the preservative, increased risk of microbial growth, and potential endotoxin accumulation, which may compromise experimental results. Always record the opening date on the vial label to track the 28‑day window.
Is same‑day shipping available for urgent research orders of BAC Water Depot bacteriostatic water?
Yes, BAC Water Depot processes orders placed before 2:00 PM Central Time, Monday through Friday, and ships them the same business day from its Dallas, TX fulfillment center. This rapid turnaround is available for both single vials and bulk orders, provided the order meets the minimum processing window. Free standard shipping applies to orders over $250 (up to 100 vials), which can further reduce lead time for time‑sensitive projects. Customers should verify the cutoff time at checkout to ensure same‑day dispatch.
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