What Is 5% Dextrose in Water (D5W)?
D5W is sterile, single-dose water containing 5 grams of dextrose (glucose) per 100 mL. It is isotonic at the moment of mixing but rapidly becomes effectively free-water once glucose is metabolized. It is a clinical IV fluid and not a research reconstitution diluent.
Side-by-Side Specification
| Criterion | Bacteriostatic Water (BW-10) | D5W |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | H₂O + 0.9% benzyl alcohol | H₂O + 5% dextrose |
| Sugar Content | None | 50 mg/mL glucose |
| Preservative | 0.9% Benzyl Alcohol | None |
| Multi-Draw | Yes (28-day window) | Single-use only |
| Assay Interference | Minimal | High — interferes with binding, MS, glucose readouts |
| Research Use | Standard reconstitution | Rare; specific protocols only |
When to Use Bacteriostatic Water
Use bacteriostatic water for any standard reconstitution where neutral, sugar-free, preserved aqueous diluent is required.
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When to Use D5W
Use D5W only when the compound's published protocol explicitly calls for it and downstream assays are not affected by 5% glucose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't D5W used for peptide reconstitution?
Dissolved dextrose can interact non-specifically with peptides, bind to assay surfaces, and interfere with mass spectrometry quantification. Sugar-free diluents like bacteriostatic water or sterile water are preferred.
Is D5W sterile?
Yes, D5W is sterile-filtered and supplied for single-use clinical/research applications. But it is preservative-free, so once opened, the remainder must be discarded.
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