How to read a Certificate of Analysis (COA)
A plain-language guide to the lab report that documents exactly what is in each lot.
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is the lab report that documents what a specific lot actually contains. Every released lot on ClearSpec Labs has one, and you can look it up yourself.
The sections you will see
- Identity — confirms the compound matches what the label says, usually by mass spectrometry.
- Purity — the percentage of the sample that is the target compound, typically measured by HPLC.
- Appearance — a physical description of the material.
- Lot number — the unique identifier that ties the report to the vial in your hands.
How to verify a COA
- Find the lot number printed on your product.
- Open the COA lookup page and enter it.
- Compare the lot number and compound name on the certificate to your product.
If anything does not match, contact us before working with the material.
For laboratory and research use only. Not intended for people or animals. No therapeutic claims are made. Still have a question? Back to the Help Center.