How to Read a Certificate of Analysis (COA)
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When purchasing research peptides, the Certificate of Analysis (COA) is your most important quality indicator. But if you've never seen one before, it can look like a confusing jumble of numbers and abbreviations. Let's break it down.
What Is a COA?
A Certificate of Analysis is a document issued by a qualified laboratory that confirms the identity, purity, and quality of a substance. For research peptides, it's essentially a report card that tells you exactly what you're getting.
Key Components to Look For
1. Product Identification
This section should clearly state the peptide name, batch/lot number, and molecular formula. The batch number is important—it allows you to trace the specific production run of your product.
2. Purity Percentage
This is the big number most people look for first. Research-grade peptides should typically show purity of 98% or higher. At PeptIQ, we aim for >98% purity on all our products.
3. Testing Method
The most common method for peptide purity testing is HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography). You'll often see this listed along with the specific conditions used for the analysis.
4. Mass Spectrometry Results
MS (Mass Spectrometry) confirms the molecular weight of the peptide, verifying that it's actually the compound claimed. The observed mass should match the theoretical mass closely.
5. Appearance and Physical Properties
Basic observations like color (usually white or off-white powder for lyophilized peptides) and form help confirm product consistency.
Red Flags to Watch For
- No batch number or testing date
- Purity significantly below 98%
- Missing testing methodology
- No laboratory identification
- Inconsistent or missing molecular weight data
Why Third-Party Testing Matters
The most trustworthy COAs come from independent, third-party laboratories. This removes any conflict of interest and provides unbiased verification of product quality.
At PeptIQ, every product ships with a COA. We believe transparency builds trust, and you deserve to know exactly what you're getting.