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Reading a Certificate of Analysis: What Every Researcher Should Know

A COA is your proof of quality. Understanding how to read one ensures you are getting exactly what your research requires.

January 15, 20263 min read
ED

A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a document issued by the manufacturer or an independent lab that details the test results for a specific batch of product.

For research peptides, a COA typically includes identity confirmation, purity analysis, and sometimes additional tests like endotoxin screening or amino acid analysis.

  • Identity: confirmed by mass spectrometry (MS) showing the expected molecular weight.
  • Purity: determined by HPLC, typically expressed as a percentage.
  • Appearance: visual description of the compound (white powder, clear solution, etc.).
  • Batch/lot number: for traceability and reproducibility.

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