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A Certificate of Analysis, usually shortened to CoA, is a laboratory document that reports analytical information about a particular sample or batch. For research peptides, it can help researchers check what was tested, which methods were used and whether the results relate to the material they have received.
A CoA can look technical at first. Once you know which sections matter, though, it becomes much easier to read.
Start with the Sample and Batch Details
Before looking at purity percentages or graphs, check the basic identification information.
A useful CoA should provide enough information to connect the laboratory report with a specific product or batch. Depending on the laboratory and testing process, the report may include:
- Sample or product name
- Batch or lot number
- Sample identification number
- Date received or tested
- Date the report was issued
- Laboratory details
The batch information is particularly important. A laboratory result is most useful when it can be traced to the specific batch being supplied rather than presented as a general example.
Check Which Test Was Performed.
Not every analytical method answers the same question.
For peptide testing, you may commonly see techniques such as HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) and mass spectrometry.
HPLC is widely used to determine the composition of a sample and to calculate the relative proportion of the detected major component. The results are often expressed as a percentage.
Mass spectrometry is used differently. It measures mass-related characteristics of a compound and can provide evidence that the material tested is consistent with the expected molecular mass.
Seeing both types of analysis can therefore provide different pieces of information about a sample.
Understand the Purity Result
One of the most noticeable figures on a peptide CoA is usually the purity percentage.
For example, a report might show a purity result of 99% or higher. This should be read in the context of the analytical method used.
A high HPLC purity result indicates that the principal detected component accounts for a high proportion of the material detected under the conditions of that particular analysis. It should not automatically be interpreted as meaning that every aspect of the sample has been tested or verified.
Purity, identity and quantity are separate analytical questions.
Look at the chromatogram.
An HPLC report may contain a chromatogram — a graph displaying peaks recorded during the analysis.
The largest peak usually indicates the major detected substance. Other peaks may relate to other detected components or impurities.
Researchers should consider the chromatogram together with the numerical results rather than relying solely on the headline purity figure.
Check Mass Spectrometry Results
Where mass spectrometry has been performed, look for the expected and observed mass information.
The purpose here is not simply to determine another percentage. Instead, the reported mass data can be compared with the expected molecular characteristics of the peptide.
This helps provide additional analytical information about identity.
Verify who performed the testing.
A CoA should make it reasonably clear where the analysis came from.
Look for the laboratory name, report or sample reference, testing dates and other identifying information. Where verification details are available, these can help researchers check the report against the laboratory’s original record.
A cropped screenshot showing only a purity percentage provides far less context than a complete laboratory report.
Read the entire Certificate of Analysis (CoA) instead of focusing on just one number.
A CoA is most useful when viewed as a complete analytical record.
First, check the batch details, followed by the testing method, reported results, and any supplied chromatograms or spectra, as well as the testing dates and laboratory information. Most importantly, verify that the report corresponds with the batch being assessed.
At Verified Peptides Australia, batch documentation is provided to give researchers clearer information about the analytical testing associated with our research materials.
Verified Peptides Australia supplies products and information solely for laboratory and research purposes, not for human consumption.
