Bacteriostatic Water

Bacteriostatic water is a general-purpose laboratory diluent. A&A Wellness supplies it as a laboratory supply in sealed 3mL and 10mL glass vials.

Two volumes. The 3mL vial suits smaller laboratory preparations. The 10mL vial suits work where one container is accessed several times.

Multi-use container. Because it contains a preservative, bacteriostatic water is conventionally supplied in containers intended to be accessed more than once, following the laboratory's own handling procedures.

Clear labeling. Each vial is labeled with the product name and volume, so it is easy to identify in laboratory storage.

This product is sold as a laboratory supply for research use only. It is not for human or veterinary use.

What it is. Bacteriostatic water is conventionally defined as sterile water containing a small amount of benzyl alcohol as a preservative. The preservative inhibits the growth of most bacteria.

How it differs from sterile water. Sterile water contains no preservative and is typically intended for single use once opened. Which one a laboratory uses depends on its own protocols.

Why the preservative matters. Benzyl alcohol is the defining difference from sterile water, and it is the reason bacteriostatic water is associated with multi-access containers in laboratory settings.

General laboratory handling. Standard aseptic practice applies: clean work surfaces, wiping the stopper before each access and labeling the vial with the date it was first opened.

For a full comparison of the two diluents, read Bacteriostatic vs Sterile Water in the Lab.

Unopened vials. Store at controlled room temperature, away from direct light and heat, unless the label states otherwise.

After first access. Keep the vial clean, wipe the stopper before each access and label it with the date it was first opened. Follow your laboratory's protocol for how long an accessed vial is kept.

Inspect before use. Do not use a vial if the solution appears cloudy or the seal is compromised.