How to reconstitute peptides
A step-by-step guide to mixing a research peptide vial with bacteriostatic water and storing it. Six steps, about 90 seconds.
What you'll need
What you will receive
A lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in a sealed vial. Shelf-stable for years in a freezer and ships without refrigeration. It must be mixed with a liquid to form a solution.
Clean preparation area
Clean hands, clean flat surface. Do not touch vial stoppers or any equipment that contacts the solution. Wipe the tops of both the peptide vial and the diluent vial with an alcohol wipe.
Selecting the proper diluent
Bacteriostatic water is the standard diluent unless otherwise instructed. It is sterile water with a small amount (0.9%) of benzyl alcohol to help inhibit bacterial growth.
Adding the liquid
Introduce diluent slowly. Aim the stream at the side of the vial — not directly onto the powder. Add gently to protect the integrity of the peptide.
Mixing the solution
Do NOT shake. Gently swirl or roll the vial until the powder is fully dissolved. The solution should appear clear. Take the vial out of the freezer about an hour in advance for easier mixing.
Storage
Reconstituted solution: refrigerate and protect from light (store in a small box or case). Avoid temperature swings and constant movement — do not keep it in the fridge door. Unreconstituted powder: freezer for long-term stability.
Example: a 10 mg vial
Add 2 mL of bacteriostatic water to a 10 mg vial and the solution is 5 mg per mL. On a U-100 insulin syringe, 10 units is 0.1 mL, so every 10 units holds 0.5 mg. Your numbers will differ, so use the calculator below for your exact vial and amount.