Prep & Injection Guide

Most research peptides ship as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder. To put the powder into a usable liquid form, add a measured volume of bacteriostatic water (BAC water) or sterile water to the vial. The volume you add determines the final concentration.

• Wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol prep pad before piercing it.
• Draw the diluent slowly and let it run down the inside wall of the vial — do not jet it directly onto the powder.
• Swirl gently to dissolve. Do not shake; vigorous agitation can degrade the peptide.
• Record the diluent volume on the vial label so the concentration is unambiguous later.

Tip: concentration (mg/mL) = peptide mass in vial (mg) ÷ diluent volume added (mL).

• Refrigerate the reconstituted vial at roughly 2–8 °C between uses.
• Keep the vial upright and away from the freezer wall to avoid freeze-thaw cycles.
• For longer-term storage of unreconstituted powder, freezing at −20 °C (or colder) is typical.
• Allow refrigerated vials to come briefly to room temperature before drawing, to reduce mis-measurement from cold-liquid surface tension.

Many peptides are sensitive to UV light and elevated temperatures. Keep vials in their original packaging or in an opaque container, away from windows and heat sources. Do not leave a reconstituted vial sitting on a warm bench for extended periods between draws.

Insulin syringes are the most common choice for small-volume research work. A 1 mL (100 unit) U-100 insulin syringe is a general-purpose option; a 0.5 mL or 0.3 mL barrel gives finer graduations for very small volumes.

• Match the syringe size to the draw volume — smaller barrels read more precisely.
• Use a fresh, sterile syringe for each draw. Do not re-cap and reuse needles.
• Expel air bubbles by tapping the barrel and pushing the plunger to the desired mark.

• Wipe the vial stopper and the draw site with alcohol; allow it to dry.
• Draw slowly and steadily; rushing introduces air bubbles and measurement error.
• Document each measurement: date, vial concentration, draw volume, syringe size.
• Dispose of sharps in an approved sharps container.

This guide describes general bench handling for research peptides in laboratory settings. It is not medical advice and is not intended to support human or veterinary use. Follow the policies and regulations that apply to your facility.