If you buy research peptides, the Certificate of Analysis (COA) is the single most important document you can ask for. It is the difference between knowing what is in the vial and hoping. This guide explains exactly how to read one, field by field.
What Is a COA?
A Certificate of Analysis is a report issued by an analytical laboratory documenting the identity and purity of a specific batch (lot) of material. For research peptides, a credible COA is generated by a third-party lab, not by the seller, using instruments such as HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) and mass spectrometry.
The 6 Fields to Check on Every COA
1. Product identity. The compound name and expected molecular weight. Mass spectrometry results should match the theoretical mass of the peptide within a tight margin.
2. Purity percentage. Usually determined by HPLC. Research-grade peptides should show 99%+ purity. Anything below 98% deserves questions.
3. Lot / batch number. The COA must reference a specific lot number that matches the label on your vial. A generic COA with no lot number proves nothing about your batch.
4. Test date and lab name. A credible COA names the laboratory and the date of analysis. Recent testing matters because peptides degrade over time under poor storage.
5. Chromatogram. The HPLC trace itself. One dominant peak indicates a clean product; multiple significant peaks indicate impurities or degradation products.
6. Appearance and form. Typically white lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder. The COA should describe what you actually received.
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious when a vendor shows a COA with no lot number, refuses to provide batch-specific documentation, displays only a purity claim with no chromatogram, or uses in-house testing with no named third-party laboratory. If the same COA image appears on multiple websites, treat it as marketing, not evidence.
How RevitaTide Handles COAs
Every RevitaTide batch is assigned a unique lot number and independently tested by accredited third-party labs to verify 99%+ purity. Batch-specific COAs are available for our products; contact us for documentation on a specific lot, or browse our best-selling research peptides to see current lots.
All RevitaTide products are for laboratory and in-vitro research use only. They are not intended for human or animal consumption and are not dietary supplements or pharmaceuticals.