Laboratories should review supplier documentation as part of a formal acceptance process for scientific research materials. The goal is to confirm identity, traceability, and consistency before the material is entered into inventory or used in experiments.
Key documents to review
- Certificate of Analysis (COA): checks batch number, test results, and stated purity or composition.
- Method summary: indicates whether HPLC, mass spectrometry, or other analytical methods were used.
- Lot and traceability data: links the material to a specific production batch.
- Storage and shipping records: show whether handling conditions were maintained during transit.
- Safety and regulatory paperwork: helps confirm labeling, intended use, and any applicable compliance notes.
When reviewing documentation, laboratories should verify that all identifiers match across records and that results are consistent with internal purchasing specifications. Any missing, unclear, or conflicting information should be clarified before use. Products intended for research use only should be labeled and handled accordingly and are not intended for human consumption.