Alcohol Prep Pads

Role in aseptic reconstitution

Why 70% and not 99%

Practical use at the bench

• Tear the foil sachet, unfold the pad and wipe the stopper with a single firm pass; allow it to air-dry rather than blowing on it or wiping it dry
• Use a new pad for each vial and for surface wipes; do not return a used pad to the sachet
• Wipe the bench area and the outside of syringe wrappers before opening them if working outside a clean hood
• Alcohol can lift ink, so swab stoppers, not labels

Sizing and storage

A box of 100 pads matches a box of 100 syringes on a one-pad-per-entry basis; laboratories that also swab diluent vials and surfaces usually find the box of 200 the better ratio. Sealed pads keep for years at room temperature, but the sachet should be checked for dryness if a box has been open for a long time or stored somewhere warm.

Store boxes at room temperature away from direct heat, sparks and open flame — the pads contain a flammable liquid. Keep sachets sealed until use; a pad that feels dry when opened should be discarded. To use, tear the sachet, unfold the pad and wipe the vial stopper or surface with a single firm pass, then allow it to air-dry for a few seconds before inserting a needle. Use one pad per vial and dispose of used pads in ordinary laboratory waste, not in a sharps container. Avoid contact with eyes; if working near sensitive electronics or printed labels, be aware that isopropyl alcohol can dissolve some inks.