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Research Methodology

The exact formulas, data sources, and independent verification process behind every dosing calculation in ASCEND.

1 The Three Core Formulas

Every ASCEND calculation is derived from three sequential formulas. No estimation, no rounding until the final display value.

Concentration = Vial Strength ÷ Reconstitution Volume
The amount of peptide per mL of solution after adding bacteriostatic water. Units: mg/mL or µg/mL depending on peptide.
Liquid Volume = Desired Dose ÷ Concentration
How many milliliters of the reconstituted solution to draw for the target dose.
Draw (IU) = Liquid Volume × 100
Converts mL to insulin syringe units (IU). A standard 100-unit/1 mL syringe has 100 IU = 1 mL, so multiplying by 100 gives the line to draw to on the syringe barrel.

2 Worked Example: Tirzepatide 2.5 mg

Given: 15 mg vial + 1 mL BAC water + 2.5 mg target dose
Concentration = 15 mg ÷ 1 mL = 15 mg/mL
Liquid Volume = 2.5 mg ÷ 15 mg/mL = 0.167 mL
Draw = 0.167 mL × 100 = 16.7 IU (draw to the ~17 line on a 100-unit syringe)

The calculator accepts any vial strength and reconstitution volume — not just the defaults — so researchers can enter their exact values for full precision.

3 Variable Reference

Vial Strength (s)
Total peptide content in the vial, in mg (or IU for HCG). Default values sourced from published compounding literature.
Water Volume (w)
mL of bacteriostatic water added during reconstitution. Adjustable by researcher for preferred concentration.
Desired Dose (d)
The target amount of peptide per injection, in mg or µg per the peptide's unit convention.
Draw (IU)
The syringe graduation to draw to on a standard 100-unit/1 mL insulin syringe. Linearly proportional to liquid volume.
Concentration (c)
Derived quantity: Vial ÷ Water. Expressed in mg/mL or µg/mL. Not directly entered by user.
Doses / Vial
Total Peptide ÷ Desired Dose. Integer floor. Helps researchers plan vial longevity.

4 Multi-Lab Verification Standard

Default dosing parameters (starting doses, vial sizes, reconstitution volumes) are cross-referenced against multiple independent sources before being included in the ASCEND database.

For the complete multi-lab sourcing philosophy, see the Verification Standard page →

5 Scope and Limitations

ASCEND calculations are mathematical tools for research use only. The formulas produce exact results given the inputs provided, but:

Vial labeling errors, measurement imprecision, peptide degradation, and individual pharmacokinetics all affect real-world outcomes. The calculator cannot account for these factors. All calculations are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice.