FAQ

Straight answers about bacteriostatic water, storage, documentation, shipping, and who can order.

What is bacteriostatic water?

Bacteriostatic water is purified water that contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative. The benzyl alcohol slows the growth of most bacteria, so a container can be opened and used more than once in a lab setting. At US Bac Water Co., bacteriostatic water is sold for in-vitro research use only.

What is the composition of bacteriostatic water?

Bacteriostatic water is water with 0.9% benzyl alcohol (9 mg per mL) added as a bacteriostatic preservative. It has no other active ingredients. Each lot’s exact specifications, such as pH and benzyl alcohol content, are listed on its certificate of analysis.

What is the difference between bacteriostatic water and sterile water?

The difference is the preservative: bacteriostatic water contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol, and sterile water contains none. Sterile water is usually supplied in single-use containers, while bacteriostatic water’s preservative allows a multi-use container. Researchers choose sterile water when benzyl alcohol would interfere with an experiment.

What is the difference between bacteriostatic water and bacteriostatic sodium chloride?

Bacteriostatic sodium chloride contains 0.9% sodium chloride (saline) in addition to the benzyl alcohol preservative, while bacteriostatic water contains no salt. Lab protocols that call for an isotonic saline diluent use sodium chloride, and protocols that call for plain water use bacteriostatic water.

How should bacteriostatic water be stored?

Store bacteriostatic water at controlled room temperature, 20–25°C (68–77°F), unless the product label says otherwise. Keep it away from direct light and heat, keep the cap on, and don’t freeze it. Always follow the storage instructions on the specific lot’s label.

How long does bacteriostatic water last after opening?

A common laboratory practice is to discard a multi-use bacteriostatic water container 28 days after first opening, unless the manufacturer’s label gives a different period. This follows USP guidance for preserved multi-use containers. Label each container with the date it was first opened and check your lab’s own procedures.

What is the shelf life of an unopened vial?

An unopened vial is good until the expiration date printed on its label and certificate of analysis, as long as it has been stored as directed. Expiration dates vary by lot, and each product page lists the current lot’s expiration. [CONFIRM THAT PRODUCT PAGES SHOW LOT EXPIRATION]

Do you provide a certificate of analysis (COA)?

Yes, a certificate of analysis is available for each lot we sell. The COA comes from the manufacturer, supplier, or an independent lab and lists test results for that lot. You can find it on the product page, or email UsBacWaterCo@gmail.com to request a copy. [CONFIRM COA AVAILABILITY FROM SUPPLIER]

Is bacteriostatic water from US Bac Water Co. for human use?

No. All US Bac Water Co. products are sold strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and are not for human or veterinary use. We do not give guidance on any human or veterinary use, and we cancel orders that suggest such use.

Who can buy from US Bac Water Co.?

Buyers must be at least 21 years old and agree that products will be used only for lawful laboratory research. Every order includes that confirmation through a required checkbox at checkout.

How much is shipping, and how fast is it?

Shipping is a flat $15 per order by FedEx Express, with a typical transit time of 2–3 business days. All orders ship from the USA, and orders placed by 2 PM Central on business days usually ship the same day. We don’t ship to P.O. boxes; orders sent to a P.O. box are cancelled and refunded.

Is US Bac Water Co. a US company?

Yes. US Bac Water Co. is a US-based company, and all orders ship from within the United States. We source our products from an established US supplier and keep supplier documentation on file.

Do you manufacture or bottle your products?

No. US Bac Water Co. does not manufacture or fill any product. Name-brand vials are sold in the manufacturer’s original sealed packaging, and our US Bac Water Co. vials are filled by [FILLING FACILITY — CONFIRM WITH SUPPLIER] and labeled for us. Manufacturer names are used only to identify products accurately.

Can I return bacteriostatic water?

No. All sales are final, and we don’t accept returns or exchanges, including sealed products. If an item arrives damaged, report it within 48 hours of delivery with photos and we’ll replace or refund it. See our Refund Policy for full details.

What vial sizes do you offer?

We offer bacteriostatic water in 10 mL and 30 mL vials, sold individually and in multi-packs of 3, 5, 10, and 25, with 100-vial packs available on our US Bac Water Co. line. Bacteriostatic sodium chloride comes in 20 mL and 30 mL vials, and sterile water in 10 mL vials.