What a COA is

A Certificate of Analysis summarizes testing results for a specific batch or lot and should match supplier documentation.

Purity

Review the reported purity value, test method, analyst date, and whether the result is linked to the exact lot.

Identity testing

Identity methods may include HPLC, mass spectrometry, or other appropriate analytical methods for the material.

Lot number matching

The lot number on the COA, label, packing slip, and internal inventory record should align.

Water content

Water content may be relevant for lyophilized research materials and should be reviewed against supplier specifications.

Heavy metals

When listed, review heavy metal screening results and ensure the testing date and lab details are complete.

Endotoxin and sterility when applicable

Applicability depends on material type and research context. Confirm that any endotoxin or sterility data belongs to the correct lot.

Red flags

Use caution with missing lot numbers, altered PDFs, vague lab names, absent methods, inconsistent dates, or results that cannot be matched to the item received.

Downloadable checklist layout

Use this checklist structure to create a branded PDF or Shopify file download.

• Supplier name
• Compound name
• Lot number
• Identity method
• Purity result
• Testing date
• Reviewer initials
• COA file location