Bacteriostatic water is a sterile diluent containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol, which acts as a preservative to inhibit the growth of bacteria. It is suitable for multi-dose applications over a limited period. Its primary purpose is to dissolve powdered medications for injection or other administration. Bacteriostatic means it prevents bacterial multiplication, not that it kills existing bacteria.
Essential Supplies
Before beginning any reconstitution, gathering supplies ensures a smooth and sterile process. You will need bacteriostatic water and the powdered substance for reconstitution. Sterile syringes of appropriate sizes are required, one for drawing the diluent and another for administering the final solution. New, sterile needles should be used for each step to maintain sterility.
Alcohol swabs are important for disinfecting vial tops before piercing. A sharps container is indispensable for the safe disposal of used needles and syringes immediately after use. Preparing a clean, well-lit work surface free from clutter is paramount for maintaining aseptic technique throughout the reconstitution procedure. Verify that all supplies are new, unopened, and within their expiration dates to uphold the highest standards of safety and accuracy.
Reconstitution Process
Proper hand hygiene is the first step in preparing any injectable medication. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, to minimize contamination. After hand washing, prepare your workspace by wiping down the clean, well-lit surface with an alcohol swab to create an aseptic environment.
Before drawing liquid, clean the rubber stoppers of both the bacteriostatic water vial and the powdered medication vial with separate alcohol swabs, allowing them to air dry completely. This disinfection step reduces the chance of bacterial introduction when the needle punctures the stopper. Next, draw air into the syringe equal to the volume of bacteriostatic water you intend to withdraw.
Insert the needle into the bacteriostatic water vial, then slowly inject the air into the headspace above the liquid. This equalizes the pressure within the vial, making it easier to withdraw the precise amount of diluent. Invert the bacteriostatic water vial and slowly draw the desired volume into the syringe, ensuring no air bubbles.
Once the correct amount of bacteriostatic water is in the syringe, inject it into the vial containing the powdered medication. Direct the diluent towards the side of the vial, rather than directly onto the powder, to facilitate a smooth dissolution. After injecting the water, gently swirl the vial to mix; avoid vigorous shaking, which can denature delicate compounds. Observe the solution to ensure the powder has completely dissolved, resulting in a clear solution free of particulate matter. Always refer to the drug manufacturer’s instructions for precise dilution ratios and handling recommendations, as these can vary between medications.
Safe Storage and Handling
After reconstitution, proper storage and handling of the mixed solution are critical to maintaining its efficacy and safety. Most reconstituted medications, unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer, should be stored under refrigeration, typically between 2°C and 8°C (36°F to 46°F), to preserve their stability. Protecting the solution from light is also often recommended, as light can degrade certain active pharmaceutical ingredients.
The shelf life of the reconstituted solution is limited, often ranging from several days to a few weeks, depending on the medication and its stability once mixed. This stability period is distinct from the expiration date of the unmixed powdered drug or the unopened bacteriostatic water. Once a vial of bacteriostatic water has been punctured, its sterility is compromised, and it has a limited shelf life, typically around 28 days, after which it should be discarded.
Label the reconstituted solution immediately with the name of the medication, the concentration, and the date and time of reconstitution. This labeling prevents confusion and ensures adherence to the limited stability period of the mixed product. Finally, all used needles, syringes, and vials must be disposed of in an approved sharps container to prevent accidental needle sticks and environmental contamination. Avoiding cross-contamination between substances and maintaining aseptic technique during subsequent withdrawals from the reconstituted vial are also important practices.