Product-quality literacy

COA Check Guide

Use a structured checklist to understand what a Certificate of Analysis can tell you — and what it cannot.

A COA is not a guarantee. A report can describe a tested sample. It does not automatically prove every vial sold under the same label has the same identity, content, sterility or handling history.

Batch / lot matchesThe report identifies the same batch or lot as the product being assessed.Laboratory is identifiableThe laboratory name, report identifier and a verification route are present.Identity method is statedThe report explains how compound identity was assessed, not only a purity percentage.Purity and content are separatedPurity does not automatically tell you how much active material is actually in the vial.Dates and sample description make senseTest, receipt and report dates are plausible and the sample description is specific.Route-relevant testing is consideredSterility/endotoxin or other relevant tests are not assumed from an HPLC purity result.

0 of 6 checks marked. This checklist does not certify a product or supplier.

Common red flags

No batch identifier; unverifiable laboratory details; image-only reports; purity presented as proof of sterility; sample description that does not match the product; or a report reused across unrelated batches.