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Lab notes

Single-use vs. multi-use vials: what's the difference?

PepPro Supply Lab Notes · Research use only

The vial itself is usually similar; what differs is the preservative content of what's inside, and the handling rules that follow from it.

Single-use vials

A single-use vial typically contains no antimicrobial preservative. Once the septum is punctured, any unused portion should be discarded — there's no protection against contamination for a second draw, even a short time later.

Multi-use vials

A multi-use vial contains a preservative (in the case of bacteriostatic water, benzyl alcohol) specifically so that it can tolerate multiple punctures over an extended period, typically up to 28 days, while maintaining an acceptable level of contamination control between draws.

Handling rules that follow from the difference

For multi-use vials: wipe the septum with a fresh alcohol prep pad before every single draw, use a new sterile needle or transfer tool each time, and label the vial with the date of first puncture. For single-use vials: treat any unused remainder as waste after the first draw, regardless of how much is left.

This article is for laboratory research reference only. Products discussed are for in vitro laboratory research use only and are not evaluated or approved for human or veterinary use.