1. Total Peptide: '+totalMcg+' mcg
2. Concentration: '+concentrationPerMl.toFixed(0)+' mcg per mL
3. Concentration per Unit: '+(concentrationPerMl/100).toFixed(2)+' mcg
4. Result: '+unitsNeeded.toFixed(2)+' units on a '+syringeType+' unit syringe.';document.getElementById('stepDetails').innerHTML=detailHtml;}else{document.getElementById('stepDetails').innerHTML='Your dose of '+dose+' mcg requires '+unitsNeeded.toFixed(2)+' units on the syringe scale.';}}
How to Use the Peptide Calculator
Accurately measuring research peptides is critical for experimental consistency. This peptide calculator helps you determine exactly how many "units" or "ticks" to draw into an insulin syringe based on your reconstruction volume and desired dose. To get started, you will need three primary pieces of information from your vial and your protocol.
- Peptide Quantity (mg)
- This is the total amount of lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in your vial, usually measured in milligrams (mg), such as 2mg, 5mg, or 10mg.
- Bacteriostatic Water (mL)
- The amount of liquid you add to the vial to dissolve the powder. Common volumes are 1mL, 2mL, or 3mL.
- Desired Dosage (mcg)
- The specific amount you intend to draw for a single dose, measured in micrograms (mcg). Note: 1,000 mcg = 1 mg.
The Peptide Reconstruction Formula
Reconstruction involves dissolving a solid into a liquid to create a specific concentration. The math behind the peptide calculator follows a standard volumetric formula:
Units to Draw = (Desired Dose in mcg) / (Total mcg in Vial / Total mL of Water) * 100
To understand this manually, follow these steps:
- Convert mg to mcg: Multiply the vial size by 1,000.
- Find mL Concentration: Divide the total mcg by the amount of water added.
- Find Unit Concentration: Since there are 100 units in 1mL (for a standard U100 syringe), divide the mL concentration by 100.
- Final Calculation: Divide your target dose by the "mcg per unit" value.
Calculation Example
Scenario: You have a 5mg vial of a research peptide and you add 2mL of bacteriostatic water. You want to draw a dose of 250mcg.
Step-by-step solution:
- Total mcg: 5mg × 1,000 = 5,000 mcg
- Concentration per mL: 5,000 mcg / 2mL = 2,500 mcg/mL
- Concentration per Unit: 2,500 mcg / 100 units = 25 mcg per unit
- Units for Dose: 250mcg (dose) / 25 mcg (per unit) = 10 units
- Result: Pull the syringe plunger to the 10-unit mark.
Common Questions
What is the difference between mg and mcg?
In the context of a peptide calculator, "mg" stands for milligram and "mcg" stands for microgram. There are 1,000 micrograms in a single milligram. Most vials are sold by the milligram (e.g., 5mg), while doses are typically administered in micrograms (e.g., 250mcg).
Why does the amount of water matter?
The amount of bacteriostatic water determines the concentration. Adding more water makes the solution "thinner," meaning you have to draw more units to get the same dose of the active peptide. Adding less water makes it more concentrated, meaning you draw fewer units.
What syringe should I use?
Most peptide calculations assume a standard U100 insulin syringe where 1mL equals 100 units. If you use a U50 (0.5mL) or U30 (0.3mL) syringe, the "units" remain the same relative to the volume, but the capacity of the syringe is smaller. Always verify your syringe markings before drawing.
Can I use sterile water instead of bacteriostatic water?
Sterile water is used for single-use vials. Bacteriostatic water contains a small amount of benzyl alcohol which inhibits bacterial growth, making it the standard choice for multi-use peptide vials that will be stored in the refrigerator over several days or weeks.