From dry to liquid
Reconstitution is the process of dissolving a dry, lyophilised material into an appropriate liquid to form a solution. It is the step that follows storage of a dry format, carried out when a researcher prepares the material for laboratory work.
Reconstitution and concentration
The volume of liquid used during reconstitution determines the concentration of the resulting solution: the same quantity of material gives a higher concentration in a smaller volume. This is why reconstitution is closely tied to concentration maths and to aliquot planning.
A laboratory step
Reconstitution here is described purely as a laboratory preparation concept. Nothing in this description is guidance for use in people or animals; it concerns preparing a research material for research work.
Frequently asked questions
Does reconstitution change what the material is?
No. It dissolves the same material into a liquid; identity is unchanged.
How does reconstitution set the concentration?
The volume of diluent chosen determines the concentration of the resulting solution.