Buying bacteriostatic water by the tray or the case is mostly a matter of getting the specification, the paperwork and the logistics right up front. This checklist is written for laboratory purchasers, procurement teams and distributors who need a consistent supply rather than an occasional pack.
1. Fix the specification before you ask for a price
Every quote should be against the same written specification so that offers are comparable:
- Sterile water containing 0.9% (9 mg/mL) benzyl alcohol as the sole preservative.
- Made from WFI-grade water; bacterial endotoxins below 0.5 EU/mL.
- pH 4.5 to 7.0.
- Sealed multi-use vials of 3 mL, 10 mL or 30 mL with crimped aluminum seal and tamper-evident flip-off cap.
- Each vial labeled with lot number and expiration date.
- A lot-specific certificate of analysis supplied with every lot (see how to read a COA).
2. Decide the vial mix from consumption, not from price per mL
Because an opened vial is discarded 28 days after first puncture, the cheapest vial per millilitre is not the cheapest vial in use if most of it is thrown away. Estimate monthly draw per bench, assign 3 mL, 10 mL or 30 mL accordingly, and order the resulting mix. Our guide to choosing a vial size has worked examples. Most multi-bench facilities end up ordering two sizes.
3. Work out the true cost per millilitre
For each pack, divide the pack price by the total millilitres it contains. A 36-pack of 30 mL vials contains 1,080 mL; a 36-pack of 10 mL vials contains 360 mL; a 36-pack of 3 mL vials contains 108 mL. Then adjust for expected waste: if a bench uses two-thirds of each 30 mL vial before discard, the effective cost per mL used is the nominal figure multiplied by 1.5. Compare that adjusted figure across sizes. Pack sizes of 24 and 36 carry the lowest per-vial pricing; larger recurring quantities are quoted through our bulk and wholesale program.
4. Ask the supplier these questions
- Where does the product ship from, and what is the lead time? Domestic stock avoids customs delays and temperature excursions in transit. BAC Water Supply ships from the USA, with orders processed within one business day.
- Is a COA provided for every lot, and can I get it before the order ships? The answer should be yes.
- How many lots will my order contain? Single-lot supply matters for projects that must not change lots mid-study. Ask for a single lot when the quantity allows it.
- What is the remaining shelf life on delivery? Specify a minimum, for example at least 12 months to expiration.
- What is the return policy for unopened, sealed product? Sealed product should be returnable within a stated window.
- Can I set up recurring or scheduled shipments? Predictable replenishment is cheaper than emergency orders.
5. Plan receiving and storage
- Storage space: vials are stored at 20 to 25 °C, not refrigerated. A tray of 25 to 36 vials takes little room, but a quarter's supply for a large facility does, so confirm shelf space before the order arrives.
- Temperature during transit: avoid deliveries that will sit outdoors in freezing weather or in a hot loading bay. Freezing can compromise seals.
- Receiving inspection: check trays for cracked vials and displaced seals, match lot numbers to the COA, and log lot, expiration and quantity into inventory.
- Rotation: first-expiring, first-out. Full guidance is in storage and shelf life.
6. Sizing the order
A practical rule is to hold two to three months of stock. Take the monthly vial consumption from step 2, multiply by the number of benches, multiply by three, and round up to whole packs. Ordering less often than monthly reduces freight cost per vial; ordering more than a quarter at a time ties up budget and shelf space, and increases the chance that the last vials are opened close to expiration.
7. For distributors and resellers
Distributors should additionally confirm: consistent labeling across lots, availability of product documentation for their own customers, packaging that survives re-shipment, and volume pricing tiers. Our wholesale inquiry form collects the vial sizes, monthly volume and delivery location needed for a quote.
Checklist summary
- Written specification: 0.9% benzyl alcohol, endotoxins < 0.5 EU/mL, pH 4.5 to 7.0, sealed vials, lot-labeled, COA per lot.
- Vial mix based on 28-day consumption per bench.
- Cost compared per mL used, not per mL bought.
- Domestic shipping, lead time, single-lot availability, remaining shelf life, return terms confirmed.
- Storage, receiving and rotation procedures in place before delivery.
Browse all pack sizes or request a bulk quote. Shipping and return details are in our FAQs.
All BAC Water Supply products are supplied for laboratory research use only and are not for human or veterinary use.