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For laboratory and research use only. Not for human consumption.These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
NewLot-specific COA summaries now published for every documented lot.
GoVida Labs
Technical note

How to read a certificate of analysis (COA)

A certificate of analysis (COA) is the single most important document for a research material. Here is how to read one and what to check before you begin work.

1. Match the lot number

Every COA is tied to a specific production lot. The lot printed on your vial label should match the lot on the COA exactly. A COA for a different lot tells you nothing about the material in your hands.

2. Check purity by HPLC

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separates the components of a sample. Purity is reported as the main peak's share of the total peak area. Look for the chromatogram itself, not just a number, and confirm the reported value is realistic. Claims such as 99.999% are not credible for synthetic peptides.

3. Confirm identity by mass spectrometry

Mass spectrometry (MS) measures molecular weight. The observed mass should agree with the theoretical mass of the expected sequence within normal instrument tolerance. Purity without identity only tells you the sample is clean, not that it is the right compound.

4. Review the testing laboratory and dates

Note who performed the analysis and when. Independent third-party testing is the standard to look for; GoVida Labs uses a third-party laboratory in the USA. The report should include a test date, sample description and method details.

Red flags

Treat a COA with caution if you see any of the following:

  • No lot number, or a lot that does not match the vial.
  • A purity figure with no chromatogram.
  • No mass spectrometry or identity result.
  • Missing laboratory name, test date or method.
The GoVida Labs testing standard

What the standard should be, and how we meet it

The standard every supplier should meet

  • A COA for every lot, not one generic report per product.
  • Purity measured by HPLC, with the chromatogram shown.
  • Identity confirmed by mass spectrometry.
  • A lot number on the vial that matches the COA exactly.
  • Realistic, honestly reported results.

What GoVida Labs does

  • Every lot is tested by an independent, third-party laboratory in the USA.
  • Each COA includes the HPLC purity chromatogram and a mass spectrometry identity check.
  • Lot-specific COAs are published on our site so you can review them before you buy.
  • The LOT on every vial label matches its COA.
  • Reported purity and identity results are shown as tested, never rounded up.
  • Questions about any report are answered by our team.
Browse every COA
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. This content is educational and is not medical advice.
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