PeptideResearch
03
Testing & Documentation

HPLC / COA Guide

How to read testing reports and certificates of analysis — and what they actually tell you.

Part A
HPLC Report

How to Read
an HPLC Report

HPLC stands for High Performance Liquid Chromatography — a testing method commonly used to review the composition and purity profile of a sample.

When people review research materials, one of the first things they want to see is whether there is clear testing information tied to the batch.

A common mistake is treating one report as proof of everything. An HPLC report is useful, but it should still be reviewed alongside the rest of the product documentation.

What to check on a report

FieldWhy it matters
Sample / Batch ReferenceTies the report to a specific production lot.
Reported Purity ResultPrimary figure — usually expressed as a percentage.
Testing DateConfirms the report is current and relevant.
Lab or Testing SourceThird-party labs generally carry more weight.
Product MatchConfirm the report matches the specific product shown.
Part B
Certificate of Analysis

What a COA
tells you

A certificate of analysis is a document that includes product-specific details tied to a batch. It helps provide documentation that can support quality review, but it still needs to be read carefully and in context.

Why HPLC + COA together?

An HPLC report and a COA are often stronger when reviewed together, because they give a clearer picture of how a product batch is documented.

What is usually on a COA

FieldWhy it matters
Batch ReferenceUnique identifier for the production lot.
Product NameShould match exactly what is being sold or reviewed.
AppearancePhysical description — color, form, texture.
Test Result DetailsPurity data, test methods, pass/fail outcomes.
Date InformationTesting date and any expiry or retest dates.