What is Bacteriostatic Water (Hospira)?
Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP (Hospira) is a sterile, nonpyrogenic water-based diluent that contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative. It is commonly used in controlled lab and compounding environments as a multi-dose diluent for reconstitution and preparation workflows where an antimicrobial preservative is required.
Mechanism of Interest
The benzyl alcohol preservative helps inhibit the growth of certain bacteria after the vial is entered, supporting multi-dose handling practices when used according to applicable standards. Bacteriostatic water is typically selected when a preserved diluent is needed (as opposed to preservative-free sterile water).
Why Researchers Use Bacteriostatic Water
- Used as a preserved diluent for multi-dose reconstitution and sample preparation workflows
- Helps support short-term handling by reducing contamination risk after puncture (when used properly)
- Commonly referenced in laboratory and compounding protocols where a bacteriostatic diluent is specified
Note: This product is provided for laboratory research purposes only. It is not intended for human consumption or medical, diagnostic use.


