COA Reader & Guide
Upload a peptide COA for analysis, or use the guide below to manually interpret what a Certificate of Analysis does — and does not — tell you.
Analyze Your COA
Upload a PDF or image of your COA and we'll extract key fields and highlight anything unusual.
What it DOES
- Summarizes COA content
- Extracts key fields
- Highlights missing or unusual elements
What it DOES NOT
- Verify authenticity
- Confirm sterility or safety
- Replace lab confirmation
Drag & drop your COA here
or click to browse
PDF, PNG, JPG/JPEG — max 10 MB
Up to 3 analyses per 10 min • 20 per day
Files are analyzed privately and never stored. For educational purposes only.
Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. COA analysis does not verify authenticity or confirm product safety.
How to Read a Peptide COA
A practical, field-by-field reference for interpreting Certificates of Analysis from peptide research suppliers.
What Is a COA?
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a lab report summarizing analytical testing performed on a specific sample at a specific point in time. It can show what tests were run, how results were measured, and link a report to a particular production batch.
A COA CAN show
- Which analytical tests were run
- How results were measured
- A link between report and batch
A COA CANNOT
- Guarantee authenticity
- Confirm sterility
- Prove regulatory compliance
- Replace direct verification
Common Fields to Look For
Compound / Peptide Name
The name of the substance being tested.
Batch or Lot Number
Used for traceability. Not always included on research-grade COAs.
Sample ID / Report ID / COA Number
Internal tracking reference that links this report to a specific sample.
Analysis Date / Report Date
When the sample was tested and/or when the report was generated.
Testing Methods
e.g., HPLC, LC-MS — describes how results were measured.
Purity or Assay Value
A percentage figure that is always method-specific.
Lab or Company Info
Name, address, and country of the testing laboratory.
Testing Methods Explained
| Method | Full Name | What It Does | ID Confirmed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPLC | High-Performance Liquid Chromatography | Estimates purity by separating components based on how they interact with a stationary phase. Does not confirm molecular identity on its own. | |
| LC-MS / MS | Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry | Supports identity confirmation by measuring molecular weight alongside separation. More informative than HPLC alone. | |
| NMR | Nuclear Magnetic Resonance | Provides detailed structural information. Less common on peptide COAs due to cost and complexity. | |
| Microbiology / Endotoxin | Microbial & Endotoxin Testing | Sometimes included for sterile or injectable product claims. Not present on most research-grade COAs. |
What Does "Purity" Mean?
The purity percentage is calculated using a specific analytical method on a specific instrument at a specific point in time. It is not an absolute measure of quality.
Factors that can lower purity (not necessarily a problem):
- Synthesis byproducts
- Incomplete purification
- Peptide bond degradation (moisture, heat, extreme pH)
- Moisture absorption
- Oxidation
- Light sensitivity
- Storage conditions
- Instrument calibration differences between labs
Verification Fields to Look For
These fields can help you cross-reference a COA with a supplier's records or verification portal.
Red Flags
These don't prove a COA is fake, but each one warrants closer scrutiny.
No dates anywhere on the document
Purity reported without stating the test method used
No lab or company name present
No batch or lot number
No testing method listed
Educational purposes only. Nothing on this page constitutes medical advice, safety certification, or a quality guarantee. Always consult appropriate professionals and conduct independent verification before drawing conclusions from any COA.