FAQ — Helix Biotech | Research Peptide Questions Answered

Question 1

What does "research use only" mean?

Accepted Answer

All Helix Biotech products are supplied strictly for in vitro (laboratory) research purposes. They are not intended for human or veterinary use, consumption, or therapeutic application. By purchasing, you confirm you are a qualified researcher using these compounds in a controlled laboratory setting.

Question 2

What purity standards do your peptides meet?

Accepted Answer

All our peptides are independently verified to ≥98% purity by RP-HPLC (Reversed-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) and confirmed by mass spectrometry (MS) where applicable. Full Certificates of Analysis from Janoshik Laboratory are available for every product on our Certificates page.

Question 3

How should peptides be stored?

Accepted Answer

Lyophilised (freeze-dried) peptides should be stored at -20°C in a dry, dark environment. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, store at 2–8°C and use within 28 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. BAC Water should be stored at room temperature before opening.

Question 4

How do I reconstitute a lyophilised peptide?

Accepted Answer

Use our Peptide Calculator (/calculator) for precise reconstitution guidance. Generally: allow the vial to reach room temperature, add bacteriostatic water slowly down the side of the vial (never inject directly onto the powder), swirl gently — do not shake. The resulting solution should be clear.

Question 5

What is bacteriostatic water and why do I need it?

Accepted Answer

Bacteriostatic water (BAC Water) contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol, which inhibits bacterial growth and extends the shelf life of reconstituted peptides. It is the standard solvent for research peptide reconstitution. We supply both 3ml and 10ml vials.

Question 6

Do you provide Certificates of Analysis?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every product has a batch-specific COA from Janoshik Laboratory, an independent European testing facility. You can view and download COAs on our Certificates page. Each COA includes HPLC purity data, mass spectrometry identity confirmation, and batch reference numbers.

Question 7

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) via Stripe — one of the world's most trusted payment processors. All transactions are SSL encrypted. We do not store your card details.

Question 8

Do you offer discounts for larger orders?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Orders over £100 receive 10% off, and orders over £250 receive 20% off. Discounts are applied automatically at checkout. We also occasionally issue promo codes — enter these in the cart before checkout.

Question 9

Can I cancel or amend my order?

Accepted Answer

Orders are processed quickly to ensure same-day dispatch. If you need to amend or cancel, contact us at support@helixbiotech.co.uk as soon as possible. Once dispatched, we are unable to cancel orders.

Question 10

Is my order confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All orders are dispatched in plain, unmarked packaging with no external branding or product descriptions. The sender name on the label is neutral. Your privacy is important to us.

Question 11

How fast do you dispatch orders?

Accepted Answer

Orders placed before 2pm on working days are dispatched same day. Orders placed after 2pm or on weekends are dispatched the next working day.

Question 12

What delivery options are available?

Accepted Answer

We offer Standard Delivery (2–3 working days, £2.99) and Next Day Delivery (order before 2pm, £5.99). Standard delivery is free on orders over £50.

Question 13

Do you ship outside the UK?

Accepted Answer

Currently we ship within the UK only. We are working on expanding to EU and international destinations. Sign up to our newsletter to be notified when international shipping launches.

Question 14

How are peptides packaged for delivery?

Accepted Answer

All lyophilised peptides are shipped in sealed, labelled vials inside protective packaging. Orders are dispatched in plain outer packaging with no product descriptions visible externally.

Question 15

How do I use the Peptide Calculator?

Accepted Answer

Visit /calculator and enter: (1) the peptide weight in mg, (2) the volume of BAC water you're adding in mL, and (3) your desired dose in mg or mcg. The calculator will tell you exactly how many mL and IU to withdraw per dose, plus a plain-English syringe guide.

Question 16

What syringe should I use for research reconstitution?

Accepted Answer

For research purposes, insulin syringes (U-100, 1ml) are standard for measuring reconstituted peptides. The calculator provides measurements in both mL and IU (insulin units) for convenience.

Question 17

How long does a reconstituted peptide last?

Accepted Answer

Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water and stored at 2–8°C, most peptides remain stable for 28 days. SS-31 should be used within 14 days. Always check the individual product page for specific guidance.

Question 18

Who tests your products?

Accepted Answer

All products are independently tested by Janoshik Laboratory — a respected European analytical chemistry laboratory specialising in peptide and research compound verification. Testing is conducted on every batch, not selectively.

Question 19

What testing methods do you use?

Accepted Answer

We use RP-HPLC (Reversed-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) for purity verification and Mass Spectrometry (MS) for molecular identity confirmation. BAC Water is tested for sterility and endotoxin levels.

Question 20

Are your products pharmaceutical grade?

Accepted Answer

Our products are synthesised and tested to pharmaceutical-grade analytical standards. However, they are supplied for research use only and are not licensed as pharmaceutical products for human use.

Question 21

What is your returns policy?

Accepted Answer

Due to the nature of research compounds, we cannot accept returns of opened products. If your order arrives damaged or incorrect, contact us within 48 hours at support@helixbiotech.co.uk with photos and your order number. We will arrange a replacement or refund.

Question 22

My order hasn't arrived — what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Standard delivery takes 2–3 working days. If your order hasn't arrived within 5 working days, contact us at support@helixbiotech.co.uk with your order number and we will investigate with the courier.

Question 23

How do I contact support?

Accepted Answer

Email us at support@helixbiotech.co.uk. We aim to respond within 24 hours on working days. For urgent queries, include your order number in the subject line.

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