For precise volume measurement during reconstitution
Drawing syringe
3mL, 21-23 gauge for drawing BW from BAC water vial
Alcohol swabs
70% isopropyl — wipe septum of both vials before each needle insertion
Step-by-Step Reconstitution
Step 1 — Wipe septum
Use an alcohol swab to wipe the rubber septum of both the peptide vial and the bacteriostatic water vial. Allow 10–15 seconds to dry before inserting needle.
Step 2 — Draw bacteriostatic water
Using a drawing syringe (21-23 gauge, 3mL), draw the desired volume of bacteriostatic water. Common volumes: 1mL for 5mg/mL concentration, 2mL for 2.5mg/mL.
Step 3 — Inject BW slowly into the peptide vial
Direct the needle to the inner wall of the vial — not the powder directly. Allow bacteriostatic water to run slowly down the glass wall. This prevents mechanical disruption of the peptide structure.
Step 4 — Swirl gently — do not shake
Gently swirl the vial between your fingers until the lyophilized powder is fully dissolved. Do NOT shake, vortex, or tap the vial. Shaking can denature peptides, particularly proteins like HGH.
Step 5 — Inspect the solution
The reconstituted solution should be clear and colourless (exceptions: GHK-Cu = faint blue-green; Cerebrolysin = slightly yellow; NAD+ = yellow-orange). Discard if cloudy or particulate.
Step 6 — Label and refrigerate
Label the vial with the date of reconstitution. Store at 2–8°C (refrigerator). Most peptides are stable for 21–28 days reconstituted.
Concentration Calculator
Formula: Concentration (mcg/mL) = [Vial size in mcg] ÷ [BAC water added in mL]
2–8°C | 7–14 days (light sensitive — use amber vials or wrap foil)
Glutathione
2–8°C | 7–14 days (oxidation sensitive — minimise air exposure)
HGH (Somatropin)
2–8°C | 3–7 days (sensitive protein — handle gently)
Follistatin-344, EPO
2–8°C | 7–14 days (large glycoproteins)
GHK-Cu
2–8°C | 28 days (copper coordination provides stability)
Do NOT freeze reconstituted
Freezing disrupts peptide structure — lyophilized vials can be frozen, reconstituted cannot
Compound-Specific Notes
HGH — Do not shake
HGH (somatropin) is a 191-amino acid protein that denatures under mechanical stress. Swirl only. Solution should be clear — discard if cloudy or gelatinous.
GHK-Cu — Faint blue-green is normal
The copper chelation in GHK-Cu produces a faint blue-green tint in solution. This is correct and expected — not a sign of contamination or degradation.
NAD+ — Protect from light
NAD+ is light-sensitive. Work in subdued light, wrap the reconstituted vial in foil or use an amber vial. Degradation produces a darker brown discolouration.
Follistatin-344 & EPO — Allow more time
Large glycoproteins (37kDa+) dissolve more slowly than small peptides. Allow 5–10 minutes for full dissolution with gentle swirling.
GDF-8 (Myostatin) — Avoid vortex
Myostatin is a disulfide-bonded homodimer that can aggregate under mechanical stress. Swirl only. Cloudy solution indicates aggregation — discard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much bacteriostatic water do I add to reconstitute a peptide?
The volume depends on your target concentration. Common approach: for a 5mg vial, adding 1mL bacteriostatic water = 5mg/mL (5000mcg/mL). Adding 2mL = 2.5mg/mL (2500mcg/mL). Use QSC’s free reconstitution calculator at qscpeptide.com/ultimate-peptide-calculators-mixing-tools.
How long does reconstituted peptide last?
Most reconstituted peptides are stable at 2–8°C for 21–28 days with bacteriostatic water. NAD+ and glutathione: 7–14 days. HGH: 3–7 days. Always use bacteriostatic water — not sterile water — for multi-use vials.
Can I shake a peptide vial to reconstitute?
Never shake or vortex peptide solutions. Mechanical shear forces can denature peptides, particularly large proteins like HGH. Always swirl gently and allow time for dissolution.
What syringe should I use for peptide reconstitution?
A 1mL insulin syringe (U-100) is standard for reconstitution and dosing. A separate 3mL drawing syringe (21-23 gauge) makes transferring bacteriostatic water easier. Wipe all septums with alcohol before each needle insertion.
Research Use Only: All QSC compounds are sold strictly for laboratory research purposes only. Not for human consumption, veterinary use, or any other application. Researchers are responsible for compliance with local regulations.
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Compound reference, COA verification, and regional warehouse information across the QSC network.
