Support
Frequently asked questions
01What is bacteriostatic water?
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Bacteriostatic water is water containing a preservative — here, 0.9% w/v benzyl alcohol — that inhibits the growth of many bacteria introduced during repeated entry into a multi-use vial. Laboratories use it as a preserved diluent or rinse.
02How is bacteriostatic water different from sterile water?
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Sterile water contains no preservative and is intended for single use once opened. Bacteriostatic water contains benzyl alcohol so a sealed multi-use vial can be entered repeatedly over up to 28 days. The preservative makes it unsuitable for some work, such as cell culture. See bacteriostatic vs. sterile water.
03Who can buy from TrueBac Water?
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Laboratories, research and educational institutions, companies and independent researchers purchasing for legitimate laboratory research. Buyers must be 21 or older and confirm their affiliation and intended research application at checkout.
04Can I use this product on people or animals?
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No. Our products are laboratory reagents supplied for research use only. They are not drugs and are not for human or veterinary use. We do not provide guidance on any such use, and we cancel orders that indicate it. See the Research Use Policy.
05Where is it made and how is it tested?
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The product is manufactured under contract in China, warehoused in the United States, and released only after independent testing by an accredited U.S. laboratory for sterility, endotoxins, particulate matter, pH, benzyl alcohol content and identity.
06How do I check the lot I received?
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Scan the code on the vial label or enter the lot number at Verify a lot. You will see the lot’s status, laboratory report and certificate fingerprint.
07How much does it cost and what does shipping cost?
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$20.00 per 10 mL vial, with free USPS shipping within the United States. Sales tax is added where applicable.
08How do standing orders work?
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Choose a frequency of every 1, 2 or 3 months. You are charged and shipped on that schedule until you cancel. You can skip a shipment, change frequency or quantity, pause, or cancel at any time from your account. Full terms: Subscription Terms.
09Do you ship internationally?
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Not at present. We ship to addresses in the United States only.
10What if a vial arrives damaged?
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Contact us within 14 days of delivery with your order number and a photo. We replace damaged or defective units at no charge. See Shipping & Returns.
11Can I get a safety data sheet?
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Yes — request one here.