How to check a peptide lab report
A lab report (COA) is only useful if it is real, recent and for your batch. Six checks, in order.
1. Who did the test?
The report should name an outside testing lab, not just the vendor. A report printed on the vendor's own letterhead with no lab named is a claim, not a test.
2. Does the batch number match your vial?
The report should show a batch or lot number. Compare it with the label on what you received. If they do not match, the report does not describe your product.
3. Is it recent?
Look at the test date. Peptides degrade, and vendors change suppliers. A report from years ago tells you little about stock sold today.
4. What does the purity number mean?
Purity is usually measured by HPLC and shown as a percentage. It tells you how much of the sample is the main compound versus other material. Higher is better, but it does not confirm the compound is the right one.
5. Is the identity confirmed?
Identity is usually confirmed by mass spectrometry (MS), which checks the molecule's mass against the expected value. A report with purity but no identity check could describe a pure sample of the wrong thing.
6. Can you verify it with the lab?
Many testing labs let you look up a report by its ID or a verification code on their own website. If the lab offers this, use it. If the report has no ID at all, ask the vendor for one.
What about quantity?
Some reports also measure how many mg are actually in the vial. If it is listed, compare it with the label. If it is not tested, the report does not tell you.