Last updated: June 2026 · Research use only
Short answer: A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is the lab document that proves what’s actually in a research peptide vial. A legitimate COA is batch-specific, comes from an independent lab, and shows two things: HPLC purity (how pure — ?96% is the floor, ?99% is excellent) and mass-spectrometry identity (whether it’s the right molecule at the right mass). If a vendor can’t show you a batch COA before you buy, treat the product as unverified.
The 5 things every real COA shows
- The compound name and a batch/lot number. The batch number must match the vial you receive — that’s what “batch-specific” means.
- HPLC purity (%). High-Performance Liquid Chromatography separates the peptide from impurities and reports the percentage that is the target compound. ?96% is the accepted minimum; ?99% is excellent.
- Mass-spectrometry identity. Confirms the molecular weight matches the intended peptide — i.e., it’s actually the molecule on the label, not a cheaper substitute.
- The testing lab’s name. An independent lab with no financial tie to the vendor. Community-referenced labs include Janoshik Analytical, MZ Biolabs, and Colmaric Analyticals.
- A date. COAs are tied to a production run; an undated or years-old certificate is a red flag.
How to spot a fake (or a useless) COA
- ? “COA available on request.” Real transparency means published before purchase. (See published examples on Proxiva’s /test-results/ page.)
- ? No lab name, or a lab you can’t look up. A COA is only as trustworthy as the lab behind it.
- ? HPLC only, no mass spec. Purity without identity doesn’t prove it’s the right molecule.
- ? One generic COA for every product/batch. That’s a sample, not your batch.
- ? “Quantity: Not Detected” or “n/a” purity. This means the lab found none of the labeled peptide — a failed test. Never accept it as a pass.
What a passing result looks like
Real published Proxiva batch COAs (independent lab, Vanguard Laboratory) read like this:
| Compound | HPLC purity | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| MOTS-C 10mg | 99.15% | ? excellent |
| CJC-1295 No DAC | 99.00% | ? excellent |
| Melanotan II | 98.70% | ? clears bar |
| Tesamorelin | 98.20% | ? clears bar |
| SS-31 | 98.04% | ? clears bar |
Each clears the ?96% minimum, with the strongest at/above the 99% “excellent” line.
FAQ
What purity should a research peptide be? ?96% by HPLC is the minimum; ?99% is excellent. Identity should also be confirmed by mass spectrometry.
What does “Quantity: Not Detected” on a COA mean? The lab found none of the labeled peptide in the sample — a failed test. Do not treat it as verified.
Where can I see a real peptide COA? Vendors that publish them, like Proxiva Labs at /test-results/, show batch-specific certificates you can read before buying.
Research-use-only disclaimer: All products referenced are intended strictly for research and laboratory use only. They are not approved for human consumption, medical application, or diagnostic use.
All products are sold strictly for research purposes only. Not for human consumption.