Peptide Storage & Handling Guide
Comprehensive guidelines for storing lyophilized and reconstituted peptides. Educational purposes only.
Lyophilized Powder
Very stable — can tolerate shipping at room temperature
Short-term: Refrigerate at 2-8°C (1-3 months)
Long-term: Freeze at -20°C (1+ year)
Ultra long-term: -80°C freezer (2-3 years)
Reconstituted Solution
More fragile — must stay refrigerated
Storage: Refrigerate at 2-8°C only
With BAC water: Up to 4 weeks
NEVER freeze reconstituted peptides
Unreconstituted Peptides (Lyophilized Powder)
Upon Arrival
- Peptide powder can be safely transported at room temperature
- Refrigerate immediately upon arrival for best results
- Short exposure to room temperature during shipping is fine
Store at 2-8°C (36-46°F) in refrigerator. Keep in original sealed vial in dark area.
Store at -20°C in standard freezer. Optimal for maximum shelf life.
Powder can remain stable at room temperature temporarily. Refrigerate ASAP.
Reconstituted Peptides (Mixed with Bacteriostatic Water)
- • MUST be refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F)
- • Refrigerate immediately after reconstitution
- • NEVER leave at room temperature for extended periods
- • NEVER freeze reconstituted peptides
Contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol preservative. Prevents bacterial growth. Standard choice for multi-dose use.
No preservative = bacterial growth risk. Must be used immediately. Not recommended for multi-dose.
Reconstitution Process
Before You Start
Remove vials from refrigerator/freezer. Let sit at room temp for 30 minutes to prevent cloudiness.
Wash hands, clean work surface, prepare alcohol prep pads and sterile insulin syringes.
Reconstitution Steps
- 1Disinfect rubber stoppers on both vials with alcohol prep pads
- 2Draw bacteriostatic water (common amounts: 1-3 mL depending on desired concentration)
- 3Inject water slowly along vial wall at 45° angle
DO NOT spray directly onto powder. Let liquid run gently down the inside wall to prevent foaming and peptide chain damage.
- 4Gently swirl (do NOT shake vigorously)
Should dissolve within 1-2 minutes. If powder remains, let sit 5-10 minutes then gently swirl again.
- 5Inspect solution
Should be clear and colorless with no visible particles. If cloudy or has particles, do NOT use.
- 6Refrigerate immediately once dissolved
Storage Quick Reference
| Peptide State | Temperature | Shelf Life | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powder (short-term) | 2-8°C (36-46°F) | 1-3 months | Refrigerator |
| Powder (long-term) | -20°C (-4°F) | 1+ year | Freezer |
| Powder (ultra long-term) | -80°C (-112°F) | 2-3 years | Ultra-low freezer |
| Powder (room temp) | ~20°C (68°F) | 2-3 weeks | Dark, dry area |
| Reconstituted | 2-8°C (36-46°F) | 4 weeks MAX | Refrigerator |
| BAC water (opened) | 2-8°C (36-46°F) | 4 weeks | Refrigerator |
Signs of Degraded Peptides — DO NOT USE
- ✗ Cloudiness — solution should be crystal clear
- ✗ Visible particles or floating matter
- ✗ Discoloration — any yellowing or color change
- ✗ Past 4-week mark since reconstitution
- ✗ Left at room temperature for extended period
- ✗ Was frozen after reconstitution
- ✗ Clumping or caking — indicates moisture exposure
- ✗ Discoloration from original white/off-white
- ✗ Past expiration date
- ✗ Storage conditions not maintained
Important Do's and Don'ts
- ✓ Store powder in freezer (-20°C) for long-term
- ✓ Refrigerate reconstituted peptides immediately
- ✓ Use bacteriostatic water for multi-dose vials
- ✓ Bring to room temperature before reconstituting
- ✓ Inject water slowly down vial wall
- ✓ Label with reconstitution date
- ✓ Discard after 4 weeks (reconstituted)
- ✓ Keep away from light
- ✓ Use sterile technique always
- ✗ Freeze reconstituted peptides
- ✗ Leave reconstituted solution at room temperature
- ✗ Shake vigorously (gently swirl only)
- ✗ Spray water directly onto powder
- ✗ Use past 4-week mark (reconstituted)
- ✗ Expose to direct light or sunlight
- ✗ Store in humid environment
- ✗ Use if cloudy or discolored
- ✗ Re-freeze after thawing (powder)
Traveling with Peptides
- • Can travel in small cooler with ice packs
- • Does not need to stay frozen during short trips
- • Refrigerate as soon as you arrive at destination
- • Can tolerate room temperature for hours/days if needed
- • MUST stay refrigerated at 2-8°C
- • Use insulated cooler with multiple ice packs
- • Consider small medical cooler with temp monitoring
- • Plan trip carefully — reconstituted peptides are fragile
- • Consider taking powder and reconstituting at destination
Peptide Degradation Factors
What Degrades Peptides:
- 1. Heat — accelerates breakdown
- 2. Light — photodegradation of amino acids
- 3. Moisture — hydrolysis (powder form)
- 4. Oxidation — exposure to air/oxygen
- 5. Freeze-thaw cycles — damages peptide bonds
- 6. pH extremes — BAC water has appropriate pH
- 7. Mechanical stress — vigorous shaking damages chains
How to Minimize Degradation:
- • Consistent cold storage
- • Dark storage location
- • Sealed containers
- • Desiccant for powder
- • Gentle handling
- • Sterile technique
- • Proper reconstitution method
Quick Troubleshooting
My powder was left at room temp for a week during shipping. Is it ruined?
Probably fine. Lyophilized peptide powder can handle 2-3 weeks at room temperature. Refrigerate immediately upon arrival.
My reconstituted peptide was out of the fridge for 2 hours. Can I still use it?
Yes, brief exposure is okay. Refrigerate immediately. If it was out all day, discard it.
Can I make my reconstituted peptide last longer than 4 weeks?
No. The 4-week limit is for safety (bacterial growth) and potency. Discard after 4 weeks.
My solution looks slightly cloudy. Is that okay?
No. Reconstituted peptides should be crystal clear. Cloudiness indicates degradation or contamination. Do not use.
Key Takeaway
Freezer storage ideal for long-term. Can tolerate shipping and short room temp exposure.
Must stay refrigerated. 4-week maximum. Never freeze. Track your reconstitution date.
Once you add bacteriostatic water, you have 4 weeks to use it. Keep it cold, use it properly, and track your date carefully.
This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals. Individual circumstances may vary.