Understanding a Certificate of Analysis (COA)

A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is the definitive technical passport of any chemical or peptide reference material. It documents empirical testing results performed on a specific lot number by an independent or certified analytical testing laboratory.

Key Elements of a Valid COA

1. Lot Identification & Batch Traceability: The lot number on the document must exactly match the physical label etched or printed on the vial packaging.

2. Chromatographic Integration (HPLC): High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) separates the compound from residual synthesis artifacts. Purity is calculated by integrating the area under the primary compound peak relative to total peak area.

3. Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS / ESI-MS): While HPLC proves purity (homogeneity), Mass Spectrometry verifies chemical identity by determining the exact molecular weight (m/z ratio) down to hundredths of a Dalton.

4. Appearance & Physical Properties: Lyophilized cakes, crystalline matrices, or clear aqueous solutions are visually inspected against physical specifications.

At Vial Foundry, every batch record is archived digitally and directly searchable via our Batch Verification engine.