Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about the product, testing and COAs, ordering, and compliance.
Product
What is bacteriostatic water?
Bacteriostatic water is sterile water with benzyl alcohol added as a preservative, which suppresses bacterial growth so the vial can be accessed more than once. It is used as a solvent for research dilution and reconstitution.
What does BacterioWater sell?
One product: 30 mL sterile bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol), filled in controlled lots for a consistent vial every time.
What is the difference between bacteriostatic water and sterile water?
Plain sterile water contains no preservative and is intended for single access. Bacteriostatic water adds 0.9% benzyl alcohol, which suppresses bacterial growth so a multi-dose vial can be accessed repeatedly with proper aseptic technique in research settings.
Testing & COA
How do I look up my COA?
Visit the Lab Testing & COA page. We publish the current shipping lot's COA — the lot code on your vial label should match the code shown there.
What is tested on every lot?
Every production lot is independently tested for sterility, endotoxins, pH, and benzyl alcohol level before release. The results are published in our COA library.
Who performs the testing?
An independent laboratory tests each lot. The lab's name, certificate number, and verification code are printed on the published COA so results can be checked at the source.
Ordering & Shipping
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship only within the United States.
Do you send tracking details?
Yes. Once your order ships, you'll receive an email with tracking details.
Where is checkout completed?
Checkout is completed on our secure Shopify-hosted checkout. Shipping and tax are calculated there, payment is processed by our payment provider, and your order ships tracked from the US with the same lot-controlled product documented here.
Do you offer wholesale pricing?
Yes — orders of 200 or more vials go through our wholesale flow. Contact us and we'll follow up with volume pricing.
What is your return policy?
Because this is a sterile, lot-controlled product, physical returns are not accepted. Documented damage, loss, or shipment errors are resolved with a replacement or credit — see the Shipping & Returns page.
Compliance
What does Research Use Only mean?
Our product is labeled and sold as a laboratory reagent for research use only. It is not for human or veterinary use, and we do not provide dosing, protocol, or medical instructions. The full RUO disclaimer is published on this site.
How should vials be stored?
Store according to the conditions on the label, protected from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and contamination. Do not use vials that are damaged, discolored, or past the labeled expiry date.
Still have questions?
Contact Support