How to reconstitute a peptide: a step-by-step guide

Reconstitution means turning a freeze-dried (lyophilised) peptide powder into a liquid you can measure. It is simple arithmetic once you know two numbers: how much peptide is in the vial, and how much bacteriostatic water you add. This guide explains the concepts. It is educational and does not tell you what dose to use — that is a decision for you and a licensed clinician.

What you are actually calculating

The only thing reconstitution determines is concentration: how much peptide sits in each millilitre of solution. If a vial holds 5 mg of peptide and you add 2 mL of water, the concentration is 2.5 mg/mL, or 2500 micrograms (mcg) per mL. Add more water and the same peptide is more dilute; add less and it is more concentrated.

The steps

1. Note the peptide mass printed on the vial (for example 5 mg).
2. Decide how much bacteriostatic water to add. More water makes the solution easier to measure in small doses; less water concentrates it.
3. Draw the water slowly and let it run down the vial wall — do not blast it directly onto the powder.
4. Swirl gently to dissolve. Do not shake hard.
5. Work out the concentration: peptide mass divided by water volume.

Turning concentration into syringe units

Once you know the concentration and the dose you have chosen, you can work out the volume to draw and the reading on an insulin syringe (U-100, U-50, and so on). This is again pure arithmetic based on the numbers you enter.

Aminove never suggests a dose. You enter the dose; the calculator only does the maths. Many peptides are not approved for human use and may be illegal to sell for human use in your country. Always consult a licensed clinician.