Alcohol wipes (HEKA, 100 pieces)

Alcohol wipes are pre-moistened with 70 per cent isopropyl alcohol. That concentration was not chosen at random.

Why 70% isopropyl alcohol?

70% isopropyl alcohol is generally regarded as an effective concentration for surface disinfection. The presence of water helps the alcohol to remain on the surface for longer and aids the process of inactivating microorganisms. When reconstituting research peptides, disinfecting the vial cap helps to minimise contamination of the material.

This information describes the technical background of the device within a laboratory context.

Pure alcohol (almost 100%) is actually less effective than a 70% solution, because it evaporates too quickly and can cause proteins on the surface of micro-organisms to coagulate without penetrating deeper. The water in a 70 per cent solution slows down evaporation and helps the alcohol to work more effectively. This explains why 70 per cent isopropyl alcohol is the standard choice for surface disinfection. It is a small but telling example of how the details of a tool determine the reliability of the work.

Good laboratory practice is essential for reliable research. Decontaminating the vial cap and the work surface reduces the risk of contamination, which helps to ensure accurate, traceable results.

• Point to note: 70% isopropyl alcohol for surface disinfection.
• Please note: individually sterile-packed for ease of use.
• Point to note: clean the vial cap before piercing it.

Role in the laboratory workflow

Aseptic working starts with a clean cap and a clean work surface. These wipes are used as part of the careful reconstitution of research peptides, such as BPC-157, and thus help to ensure a reliable working method.

A clean working method — often referred to as aseptic technique — is essential for reliable research. Briefly disinfecting the vial cap before piercing it is a small step that has a major impact on the purity of the material.

By incorporating this step as standard into the reconstitution workflow, you reduce the risk of contamination and improve the traceability of your results.

It’s also handy that the wipes are individually wrapped: you open just one when you need it, which prevents wastage and the wipes from drying out. In this way, the ease of use ties in with a clean, organised way of working.

Use the alcohol wipe to clean surfaces before reconstituting research peptides. Follow these steps.

1. 1Open an individually wrapped wipe just before use.
2. 2Wipe the rubber vial cap clean with the cloth.
3. 3Leave the alcohol to air-dry for a few seconds before piercing the cap.
4. 4If necessary, use a second cloth for the work surface.
5. 5Use each wipe only once and then throw it away.

Working Safely

Isopropyl alcohol is flammable; keep the wipes away from open flames and sources of heat. For external use only; avoid contact with the eyes and keep out of reach of children.

Practical tip

Always allow the alcohol to air-dry briefly after wiping; only then will the disinfecting effect be optimal and you will prevent alcohol from being drawn into the vial. Use a fresh wipe for each surface, so that you do not spread contamination.

Store the alcohol wipes in a cool, dry place and keep them in their sealed packaging to prevent them from drying out.

Practical storage tips

• Store at room temperature, in a dry place and away from direct sunlight.
• Keep the packaging and the individual sachets sealed until use.
• Keep away from open flames and sources of heat (flammable).
• Keep out of reach of children.

Storing them in a sealed, cool and dry place prevents the wipes from drying out and keeps them ready for use.

It is better to replace a single dried-out wipe than to use it; always work with a well-moistened, fresh wipe. Keep the main pack sealed so that the remaining wipes remain moist and usable. A good supply of fresh wipes is an essential part of a clean reconstitution workstation.