Affinity Biologicals antibodies are supplied in a solution of HBS-glycerol (10mM HEPES, 0.15M NaCl, pH 7.4, 50% glycerol (v/v)) to increase the long-term stability of the IgG. The glycerol acts to stabilize the IgG by reducing hydration and also helps to suppress microbial growth. We recommend storage between -10°C and -20°oC. At these temperatures the solution will not freeze. The solution of HBS-glycerol allows multiple withdrawals from the vial without the need for numerous freeze-thaw cycles that reduce antibody potency. We recommend that the vial be warmed to ambient temperature and gently mixed before pipetting to reduce the viscosity. The antibodies are supplied in microcentrifuge tubes and residual reagent may be gathered from the walls and cap with a brief centrifugation. Glycerol is hygroscopic and therefore care should be taken to ensure that caps are re-fastened securely with the O-ring intact before putting the vial back in the freezer. Do not store in frost-free freezers.