How to Understand a Certificate of Analysis

A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is the documented result of laboratory testing performed on a specific batch of a compound. It is the single most important piece of documentation accompanying any research material.

A legitimate COA is always tied to a specific lot number — the same number printed on the vial. A generic certificate that isn't batch-specific tells you nothing about the material in your hand.

Identity confirmation — usually from mass spectrometry, verifying the compound's molecular weight matches the expected sequence.

Purity result — the HPLC-derived percentage of target peptide in the sample. For demanding research applications, ≥99% is the benchmark SFVLAB holds to.

Appearance and physical data — describes the expected form (typically a white lyophilized powder) and related observations.

Test date, method, and analyst information — evidence the testing was actually performed, and when.

A purity figure is a measurement of the tested sample — not a marketing claim. It reflects the specific batch, tested by a specific method, on a specific date.

When reviewing a COA, confirm the lot number matches your vial, the method is stated, and the result is presented with a chromatogram or spectrum you can reference.