Bacteriostatic Water UK: Composition, Laboratory Uses and Available Sizes

Bacteriostatic water is sterile, non-pyrogenic water containing a bacteriostatic preservative, typically 0.9% benzyl alcohol. It is used as a laboratory solvent where a documented research protocol requires a preserved aqueous diluent.

This guide explains the composition, available vial sizes and documentation considerations relevant to UK laboratory buyers. It does not provide administration, dosage or clinical guidance.

Quick specification overview

Specification	NŪVO listing
Composition	Sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol
Available sizes	3ml and 10ml sealed vials
Format	Preserved aqueous laboratory solvent
Intended use	Legitimate laboratory and analytical research only
Restrictions	Not for human or veterinary consumption, diagnosis, treatment or therapeutic use

What makes water bacteriostatic?

The term bacteriostatic means that the preservative inhibits bacterial growth. It does not mean that the solution sterilises other materials, and it should not be confused with an antibacterial medicine.

Benzyl alcohol is the preservative most commonly associated with bacteriostatic water. Reference preparations describe concentrations around 0.9%, although researchers should always check the specification and label of the exact material being used.

Bacteriostatic water compared with other laboratory solvents

Solvent	Key distinction	Research consideration
Bacteriostatic water	Contains a bacteriostatic preservative, commonly 0.9% benzyl alcohol	Use only where compatible with the compound and documented protocol
Sterile water	Does not contain the same bacteriostatic preservative	Not interchangeable where a protocol specifies a preserved solvent
Dilute acetic-acid solution	Mildly acidic solvent	Sometimes specified for compounds with different solubility requirements

Choosing between 3ml and 10ml

NŪVO lists both 3ml and 10ml vial sizes. The appropriate size depends on the documented requirements of the research protocol, expected laboratory volume and applicable storage controls. Vial size does not change the stated 0.9% benzyl-alcohol composition.

What UK laboratory buyers should verify

• The solvent named in the compound or manufacturer documentation
• The labelled preservative and concentration
• The vial size and batch or lot identifier
• The storage specification and expiry information on the supplied material
• Any batch documentation made available for the exact product

Frequently asked questions

Does bacteriostatic water contain benzyl alcohol?

The NŪVO listing specifies 0.9% benzyl alcohol as the bacteriostatic preservative.

Is bacteriostatic water the same as sterile water?

No. Bacteriostatic water contains a preservative; plain sterile water does not contain the same bacteriostatic component. Researchers should follow the validated documentation for the compound and method being studied.

What sizes does NŪVO supply?

The current NŪVO product listing includes 3ml and 10ml variants, subject to live stock availability.

Is this product intended for people or animals?

No. NŪVO supplies it solely for legitimate laboratory and analytical research. It is not supplied for human or veterinary consumption, diagnosis, treatment or therapeutic use.

Where can I view the NŪVO product?

View NŪVO Bacteriostatic Water — 3ml and 10ml.

Reference sources

• Pfizer Medical: Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP
• DailyMed: Bacteriostatic Water reference labelling

Research purposes only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. NŪVO Health does not provide dosage, administration or clinical guidance.