Research Reference · Laboratory Use Only
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is the lab report that documents what a given lot of a research compound actually contains. Here is how to read one — and how to confirm it is genuine.
What a COA reports
A complete COA identifies the compound and lot, then reports the analytical results used to characterize it. Common sections include:
- Identity — confirmation the material is the compound it claims to be, typically by mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF or LC-MS).
- Purity — usually measured by HPLC and expressed as a percentage of the main peak.
- Appearance and form — for example, a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder.
- Endotoxin / sterility — where relevant, the results of LAL endotoxin testing.
How to verify it
A COA is only as trustworthy as its source. The strongest practice is to publish the name of the issuing lab and the report ID, so the document can be confirmed on that laboratory’s own system — not just on the seller’s website. Full lot history, including retired lots, lets you see how a compound has tested over time.
Red flags
Be cautious of suppliers who show no COA, a COA with no issuing-lab name or report ID, or a single generic document reused across every product and lot.
Browse the COA-verified research catalog →