To verify a certificate of analysis, labs should confirm that the document matches the material received and that the reported results are internally consistent.
Key checks
- Product identity: Match the catalog number, lot or batch number, and product name to the shipment and purchase record.
- Testing methods: Review whether the COA lists appropriate analytical methods, such as HPLC for purity and mass spectrometry for identity confirmation.
- Reported values: Check that purity, molecular weight, and sequence-related data align with the intended research material.
- Date and traceability: Confirm the analysis date, laboratory name, and any analyst or quality-control references.
- Formatting consistency: Look for missing fields, altered values, or inconsistent lot information across labels and documents.
When results appear unclear, request the underlying analytical report or supplier clarification before use. For laboratory purchasing decisions, verification should also include receipt condition and storage compliance. Products are intended for research use only and are not intended for human consumption.