Peptide Safety Best Practices

Sterile Technique Fundamentals

Why Sterility Matters

Contamination can:

• Introduce harmful bacteria or fungi
• Degrade the peptide
• Invalidate research results
• Cause infection or adverse reactions

Basic Sterile Practices

1. Clean workspace: Sanitize surfaces before handling peptides
2. Hand hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly or wear gloves
3. Alcohol swabs: Always wipe vial tops before piercing
4. Fresh supplies: Never reuse needles, syringes, or swabs
5. Minimal exposure: Keep vials sealed when not in use

Proper Swabbing Technique

• Use 70% isopropyl alcohol swabs
• Wipe in one direction (don't scrub back and forth)
• Allow to dry completely (30 seconds) before piercing
• Don't touch the swabbed area

Safe Handling Procedures

Working With Lyophilized Peptides

• Handle vials gently - peptide powder can be delicate
• Don't expose to moisture until reconstitution
• Keep sealed until ready to use
• Avoid dropping or jarring vials

Reconstitution Safety

• Use only appropriate diluents (bacteriostatic water, sterile water)
• Add water slowly along vial wall
• Never shake vigorously - gently swirl if needed
• Inspect solution for clarity before use

Drawing and Measuring

• Use appropriate syringe size for accurate measurement
• Remove air bubbles before measurement
• Double-check calculations
• Use each needle only once

Sharps Safety

Handling Needles

• Never recap needles by hand
• Keep needles pointed away from yourself and others
• Dispose immediately after use
• Never bend, break, or manipulate needles

Proper Disposal

• Use a sharps container: Puncture-resistant, clearly labeled
• Don't overfill: Replace when 3/4 full
• Dispose properly: Follow local regulations for medical waste
• Never place in regular trash: Risk of needlestick injuries

Needlestick Prevention

• Stay focused during handling - no distractions
• Good lighting in work area
• Stable, clutter-free work surface
• If stuck: clean wound, seek medical advice

Storage Safety

Proper Storage Conditions

• Temperature: Refrigerate reconstituted, freeze lyophilized
• Light protection: Use amber vials or store in dark
• Separation: Keep research materials separate from food items
• Labeling: Clearly label all vials with contents and dates

Access Control

• Store in secure location
• Keep away from children and pets
• Only authorized persons should have access
• Consider locked storage for controlled environments

Quality Verification

Before Use Checklist

• ☐ Verify peptide identity (check label)
• ☐ Check expiration/reconstitution date
• ☐ Inspect for visual changes (cloudiness, color, particles)
• ☐ Verify proper storage conditions maintained
• ☐ Confirm COA on file

Red Flags - Do Not Use If:

• ❌ Solution is cloudy or discolored
• ❌ Visible particles or precipitation
• ❌ Vial seal has been compromised
• ❌ Beyond recommended shelf life
• ❌ Storage conditions were not maintained
• ❌ Unknown origin or no COA available

Documentation Practices

What to Record

• Peptide details: Name, batch number, source, COA
• Reconstitution: Date, diluent used, concentration
• Storage: Location, temperature monitoring
• Usage: Dates, amounts, observations
• Disposal: Date, method, reason

Why Documentation Matters

• Ensures reproducibility of research
• Helps identify problems if issues arise
• Tracks inventory and usage
• Supports quality control

Emergency Procedures

Spill Management

1. Don appropriate protective equipment (gloves at minimum)
2. Contain the spill - prevent spreading
3. Absorb liquid with paper towels
4. Clean area with appropriate disinfectant
5. Dispose of materials properly
6. Document the incident

Exposure Response

Skin contact:

• Wash affected area with soap and water
• Remove contaminated clothing
• Seek medical attention if irritation persists

Eye contact:

• Rinse immediately with water for 15+ minutes
• Seek medical attention

Needlestick:

• Allow wound to bleed briefly
• Wash with soap and water
• Apply antiseptic
• Seek medical evaluation

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Research Compliance

• Peptides must be labeled "for research use only"
• Not intended for human or veterinary use
• Follow all applicable local, state, and federal regulations
• Some peptides may have additional restrictions

Responsible Research

• Use peptides only for legitimate research purposes
• Never misrepresent research intent
• Stay informed about changing regulations
• Report adverse events or quality issues

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Minimum Recommendations

• Gloves: Nitrile or latex, changed frequently
• Eye protection: Safety glasses when handling liquids
• Lab coat or dedicated clothing: Prevents contamination spread

When to Use Additional PPE

• Handling large quantities
• Working with novel compounds
• In institutional research settings
• As required by local regulations