Frequently Asked Questions

A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a document issued by a laboratory that reports the results of quality testing performed on a specific product batch. For research peptides, a COA typically includes HPLC purity data, mass spectrometry confirmation, batch identification, and other analytical results. It serves as the primary quality assurance document between manufacturer and buyer.

A comprehensive peptide COA should include: peptide name and amino acid sequence, molecular weight and formula, batch or lot number, HPLC purity percentage with a chromatogram, mass spectrometry data, analysis date, laboratory name and address, analyst signature or approval, method descriptions, acceptance criteria, and ideally accreditation references. The more of these items present, the more complete and trustworthy the document.

HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) purity percentage indicates the proportion of the target peptide relative to all detected compounds in a sample. A purity of 98% means 98% of the detected material is the intended peptide, while 2% consists of impurities such as deletion sequences, truncated peptides, or other byproducts. Most research-grade peptides are sold at 95-99%+ purity.

Yes. A COA is ultimately a document that can be edited, forged, or reused from a different batch. This is why independent third-party verification is essential. When a supplier issues their own COA, there is an inherent conflict of interest. The only way to confirm what is in a vial is independent laboratory testing by an organization with no financial ties to the manufacturer.

A self-issued COA is produced by the manufacturer or seller testing their own product. An independent COA is produced by a third-party laboratory with no financial relationship to the manufacturer. Self-issued COAs carry a conflict of interest: the supplier controls which samples to test, which lab to use, and which results to publish. Failed tests can be discarded. Independent testing removes this conflict entirely.

The COA Scanner uses AI to evaluate the quality of a COA document. You upload a PDF and the AI checks it against 27+ industry standard checklist items across four categories: completeness, analytical rigour, professional credibility, and traceability. You receive a score and detailed breakdown. It evaluates the document only, not the actual substance. Think of it as a first step in your quality checks.

Not necessarily. A high score means the document is complete and professionally formatted. However, the scan evaluates the document only, not the substance. A well-written COA could still be fabricated. True verification requires independent laboratory analysis of the actual product through HPLC and mass spectrometry performed by an unbiased third party.

Key red flags include: no batch or lot number, missing chromatogram image, no laboratory name or address, no analyst signature, generic templates with no specific analytical data, suspiciously round purity numbers (e.g. exactly 99.0% instead of 98.73%), no mass spectrometry data, missing analysis dates, no method descriptions, and COAs that look identical across different peptides or batches.

Random sampling means selecting test units from a production batch without the manufacturer's influence or knowledge of which specific units will be tested. This prevents cherry-picking, where a manufacturer might submit their best samples while selling lower-quality product. At GMP Analytics, manufacturers submit entire sealed batches, and our analysts randomly select which units to test.

A chromatogram is a graph produced during HPLC analysis. It shows peaks representing different compounds in the sample. The main peak represents the target peptide, and smaller peaks represent impurities. A good chromatogram shows one dominant sharp peak with minimal noise or secondary peaks. The retention time, peak shape, and integration data all provide valuable quality information.

HPLC measures purity but does not confirm identity. It tells you how pure a sample is, not what the sample is. To confirm identity, mass spectrometry (MS or LC-MS) is required. Mass spectrometry measures the molecular weight of the compound, confirming it matches the expected peptide. A trustworthy COA should include both HPLC purity data and mass spectrometry confirmation.

Yes. The COA Scanner is currently free during the beta period. Registered users receive 3 free scans per month. Registration requires only a name and email address. No credit card needed.

Yes. Serious manufacturers who want to demonstrate product quality through independent testing can partner with GMP Analytics. We offer batch testing at our Budapest facility with random sampling, and on-site random testing where our analysts visit the manufacturer's facility to collect samples directly. Contact us for partnership details.

Research peptides are chemical compounds sold exclusively for scientific research, laboratory experimentation, and in-vitro studies. They are not approved for human consumption, medical use, or clinical applications. Buyers are responsible for compliance with all applicable laws in their jurisdiction. GMP Analytics provides analytical testing services for research purposes only.

GMP Analytics is an independent third-party HPLC testing laboratory based in Budapest, Hungary. We have no financial ties to any peptide supplier. We use random sampling protocols where manufacturers submit entire batches and have no control over which units are tested. Results are published publicly, and verified batches carry our seal of independent verification.