RECONSTITUTION GUIDE
How Much BAC Water for GHK?
Quick answer: Add 2.5 mL of bacteriostatic water to a 5 mg GHK vial. This yields a concentration of 2 mg/mL. A standard 2 mg research dose then requires 1 mL (100 IU on a 100-unit insulin syringe).
Concentration by BAC water volume
Concentration and 2 mg draw volume at common BAC water volumes for a 5 mg vial.
| BAC water | Concentration | Dose volume | Draw |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | 5 mg/mL | 0.4 mL | 40 IU |
| 2 mL | 2.5 mg/mL | 0.8 mL | 80 IU |
| 3 mL | 1.67 mg/mL | 1.2 mL | 120 IU |
| 5 mL | 1 mg/mL | 2 mL | 200 IU |
Dose volume at the standard 2 mg/mL concentration
How draw volume changes if you vary the dose at the standard 5 mg + 2.5 mL reconstitution.
| Dose | Volume | IU draw (100u) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 mg | 0.5 mL | 50 IU |
| 2 mg Std | 1 mL | 100 IU |
| 3 mg | 1.5 mL | 150 IU |
| 4 mg | 2 mL | 200 IU |
| 6 mg | 3 mL | 300 IU |
Reconstitution steps
- Wipe the top of both the GHK vial and the bacteriostatic water vial with alcohol swabs.
- Draw 2.5 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
- Inject the water slowly down the inside glass wall of the GHK vial. Do not aim directly at the powder.
- Swirl gently until fully dissolved. Never shake.
- Refrigerate at 2-8°C protected from light. Allow to reach room temperature before each draw.
Supplies needed
- GHK 5 mg lyophilized vial
- 2.5 mL bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol)
- 100-unit (1 mL) U-100 insulin syringe
- Alcohol swabs
- Sharps container for disposal
Frequently asked
How much BAC water do I add to a 5 mg GHK vial?
For the standard ASCEND research protocol, add 2.5 mL of bacteriostatic water to a 5 mg GHK vial. This yields 2 mg/mL.
What concentration does 2.5 mL BAC water give for 5 mg GHK?
A 5 mg GHK vial reconstituted with 2.5 mL of bacteriostatic water yields 2 mg/mL. A 2 mg dose then requires 1 mL (100 IU on a 100-unit insulin syringe).
Can I use sterile water instead of bacteriostatic water for GHK?
Bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) is preferred because it inhibits bacterial growth and allows multi-dose use of the reconstituted vial. Sterile water lacks preservative properties and accelerates peptide degradation once the vial is opened.
How long is GHK stable once reconstituted with BAC water?
Most research peptides remain stable for approximately 28 days when reconstituted with bacteriostatic water and stored at 2-8°C protected from light. Refer to peptide-specific stability data for any deviation from this baseline.
What size insulin syringe should I use for GHK?
A standard 100-unit (1 mL) U-100 insulin syringe is appropriate for a 2 mg GHK dose.
Can I transport reconstituted GHK?
Keep it cold in transit. An insulated bag or small cooler with an ice pack holds the 2-8°C range for several hours, which covers most day trips or drives. For longer travel, pack it the same way you would any refrigerated medication, and get it back into a fridge as soon as you arrive. Extended time at room temperature shortens the ~28-day stability window.
Related
MOTS-C calculator + tracker, free on iOS Download on the App Store Get appFor research use only. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any peptide compound. Reconstitution parameters cross-referenced with independent 3rd-party analytical laboratories. · ASCEND · ascendpeptide.org