Certificate of Analysis¶
Definition¶
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is an official batch-specific document that reports quality testing results for a peptide product, confirming that it meets established specifications.
Overview¶
The COA is the definitive quality document for a specific batch of peptides. Unlike the TDS (which describes general specifications), the COA provides actual test results for that particular batch, along with HPLC chromatograms and mass spectra.
Technical Explanation¶
Standard COA Sections:
| Section | Content |
|---|---|
| Header | Company name, document title, document ID |
| Product Info | Product name, catalog #, batch/lot #, quantity |
| Testing Summary | Parameter, specification, result, method |
| Analytical Data | HPLC chromatogram, mass spectrum |
| Certifying Section | Authorized signature, date, stamp |
Common Tests on a Peptide COA: - Appearance (visual inspection) - Identity (mass spectrometry) - Purity (HPLC area %) - Assay (peptide content %) - Water content (KF or LOD) - Counter-ion content (HPLC or IC) - Endotoxin (LAL test) — if applicable
Importance in Peptide Documentation¶
The COA is the document that substantiates product quality claims. Researchers should always request and review the batch-specific COA before using peptide products.
Related Terms¶
Frequently Asked Questions¶
Q: Should I request the COA before or after purchasing? A: Reputable suppliers provide COAs with every shipment. For evaluation purposes, representative COAs are typically available upon request before purchase.
Q: Can a COA be falsified? A: Unfortunately, yes. Always verify COA authenticity by checking batch numbers, document formatting, and supplier credentials. Requesting LC-MS data makes falsification more difficult.