Quick guide to volumetric dosing
Volumetric dosing is a relatively easy way to accurately dose substances in the sub-milligram range. It involves dissolving a known quantity of a substance in a known quantity of liquid, from there it's very easy to find the concentration of the substance on a milliliter basis.
Why?
Some substances are active at sub-milligram doses. These types of chemicals require extreme precision that can't be achieved with consumer grade scales. Volumetric dosing is the only way to accurately dose the sub-milligram range in a safe and reliable manner.
How?
- Research what your substance can be dissolved in, and at what concentrations. Some substances are not dissolved readily in water, and instead need a strong spirit such as PGP or everclear. Sometimes, it is necessary to use a stronger solute when a higher concentration is desired.
- Take the substance you wish to dissolve, and weigh it with an accurate milligram scale. (Generally you measure out a substantial amount more than you intend on dosing, to increase the margin of error)
- Once you have a known quantity, you need to decide what concentration you want it. For example, if I have 100mg of a substance in powder, and I want 500µg in every milliliter of solute (A concentration of 500µg/mL) I would need 200mL of solute.
- The concentration can be calculated with the following formula
- quantity of substance / amount of solute = concentration.
- Ex. 100mg/200mL=500µg per mL
- Remember: The lower the concentration, the easier and safer it is to dose! Ensure your margin for error is as high as necessary.
Safety
When dealing with chemicals active in the sub milligram range, there is substantial risk of accidentally dosing oneself while working with the chemical. Necessary precautions must be taken to ensure safety.
- Gloves, dust mask, and eye protection are required
- Wipe down all surfaces as soon as you're done using them.
- Do not work with substances in an area with a breeze.
- Remember, just because you can't see it, does not mean it's not there. Chemicals active at quantities this low can be very hard for the human eye to detect.
- Absolutely do not touch your eyes, ears, nose, or mouth while working with powders.