Lumera Labs Journal · Canada
How to Read a Peptide Certificate of Analysis (Canadian Researcher's Guide)
Published 2024-09-21 · Lumera Labs Editorial · Kelowna, BC
Short answer: A peptide COA should show three test results: HPLC purity (target ≥99%), mass spectrometry identity (mass within 0.1 Da of expected), and LAL endotoxin clearance (target <0.5 EU/mg). Anything missing or below threshold is a red flag.
What a Certificate of Analysis is
A COA is a quality-control document issued by an analytical laboratory confirming that a specific lot of peptide meets purity and identity specifications. Every reputable Canadian peptide supplier issues a COA per lot — never per product line. If you receive a "generic" COA that doesn't match your lot number, the document is meaningless.
HPLC purity
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography separates the peptide from synthesis byproducts, residual solvents, and degradation products. The COA shows a chromatogram (graph) with peaks. The target peak — your peptide — should account for ≥99% of total peak area.
How to read it:
- Single dominant peak at expected retention time = good
- Multiple peaks of comparable height = impure or wrong compound
- "Purity ≥95%" but no chromatogram = take with skepticism
- Purity below 98% for research applications = not suitable for quantitative work
Mass spectrometry identity
Mass spec confirms the peptide's molecular weight matches the expected sequence. The COA shows an MS spectrum with a peak at the expected mass-to-charge ratio (m/z).
How to read it:
- Observed mass within 0.1 Da of theoretical mass = correct identity
- Observed mass off by >1 Da = wrong sequence or significant modification
- Multiple peaks at unexpected m/z = adducts, fragmentation, or contamination
LAL endotoxin clearance
The Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay measures endotoxin contamination from bacterial origins. For research peptides, target is <0.5 EU/mg. Critical for any application involving cell culture or in-vivo work.
Missing LAL data on a COA is acceptable for non-biological research applications but a red flag if you're using the peptide in living systems.
Red flags on a Canadian peptide COA
- No lot number on the COA
- No date of testing or release
- No analytical lab name or signature
- Generic header (e.g., "Sample COA") without specific product
- Purity reported without chromatogram
- Mass reported without MS spectrum image
- "Tested in our laboratory" with no methodology or instrument detail
- Refusal to share COA on request from a supplier
How Lumera Labs handles COAs
Every Lumera Labs lot is independently tested on arrival at our Kelowna facility — HPLC purity, mass spec identity, and LAL endotoxin clearance. COAs are issued per lot number and emailed on request to lumeralabs@proton.me with the lot number printed on your vial label. We respond within one business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a peptide COA contain?
HPLC purity (target >=99%), mass spectrometry identity (within 0.1 Da of expected), LAL endotoxin clearance (<0.5 EU/mg), lot number, test date, and analytical laboratory signature.
How do I request a COA from Lumera Labs?
Email lumeralabs@proton.me with the lot number printed on your vial label. We respond within one business day.
Why is HPLC purity important?
HPLC measures the percentage of your peptide vs synthesis byproducts and degradation. Below 98% purity introduces uncontrolled variables into research data.
What is a good LAL endotoxin level?
Below 0.5 EU/mg is acceptable for most research applications. Below 0.1 EU/mg is required for cell-culture work.
Are Lumera Labs COAs lot-specific?
Yes. Every COA references a specific lot number traceable to its synthesis date and analytical test data. Generic per-product COAs are not issued.
Disclaimer: All Lumera Labs products are supplied for laboratory research use only. Nothing in this article constitutes medical advice or a recommendation for human consumption. Refer to our research-use declaration for full terms.