How to reconstitute lyophilized antibodies?

 Q: The antibodies I have purchased are lyophilized. How should I reconstitute them? 

Antibodies in lyophilized format are very stable for storage and transportation. No heavy and expensive packages with dry ice are necessary, as transportation can be done at ambient temperature.  

The reconstitution procedure should be done before the antibody is to be used. When a tube of lyophilized antibody is received, it should be stored at the recommended temperature, until use. Recommended storage conditions can be found in the product data sheet.

Below you will find the steps for reconstitution of a lyophilized antibody:

• Add sterile, distilled or deionized water, in the amount specified on the antibody tube/in the product data sheet.
• Place the tube in 4°C for 3 hours. Gently mix afterwards.
• Check for the presence of any undissolved particles by placing the tube against the light.
• Gently vortex, avoiding foam generation.
• Aliquote and store, according to instructions provided on antibody product information sheet.

Glycerol or any other substances should not be added unless it is specified on the product information sheet, which is provided together with the antibody, and available online, on the specific antibody product page. We recommend storing antibodies in lyophilized format upon arrival and reconstituting them just before use.