forma.
Lab reports, decoded
Read a COA in 60 seconds.
Three habits are all it takes. Then try them on a sample report below.
- 01
Match the lot
The lot number on the report should be the one on your vial.
- 02
Find the peak
One tall peak on a flat floor is what a clean run looks like.
- 03
Read every line
Each test lists a limit and a result. Put them side by side.
The sample
Try it on a sample.
This certificate certifies that the sample listed was tested using validated analytical methods and was found to meet the stated specifications at the time of analysis.
Sample information
Test results
| Test | Reference standard | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1Identity (LC-MS) | Matches compound | Confirmed |
| 2Purity (HPLC) | > XX% | XX.XXX% |
| 3Net content (per vial) | ~ XX mg | XX.XX mg |
| 4Sterility (culture) | No growth | Pass |
| 5Endotoxins (LAL) | < X EU/mg | X.XX EU/mg |
| 6Heavy metals (ICP-MS) | Within limits | Pass |
| 7Fentanyl screening (LC-MS) | Not detected | Not detected |
| 8Conformity (overall) | Meets specification | Conforms |
Chromatogram
Sample for illustration only. Every value is a placeholder. This is not a result for any FORMA product. The tests on a real certificate depend on what was requested for that lot.
- 1
Identity
Mass spectrometry measures the molecular mass of the sample. It should match the expected mass for the compound on the label. This confirms what the material is, separate from how pure it is.
- 2
Purity
The chromatogram shows the sample separated into peaks. Purity is the main peak’s share of all detected peaks. Look for one dominant peak and a flat baseline.
- 3
Net content
The amount of the compound actually measured in the vial. It can differ from the labeled quantity because a vial also holds water and counter-ions.
- 4
Sterility
The sample is incubated to check for bacterial or fungal growth. “No growth” means none was detected under the test conditions.
- 5
Endotoxins
Endotoxins are fragments from bacterial cell walls. The lab measures them against a stated limit. A result below the limit is within specification.
- 6
Heavy metals
Trace metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury are measured and compared with stated limits.
- 7
Fentanyl screening
A contamination screen. “Not detected” means the substance was below the method’s detection limit in this sample.
- 8
Conformity
The laboratory’s statement that the reported results meet the stated specifications for the tested lot.
To read it fast: one tall peak, a flat floor, and a lot number that matches your vial.
Looks right
- An independent lab is named
- A report number and a date
- The lot number matches your vial
- A chromatogram, not just a number
- A result for every line
Pause and ask
- No lab name or contact
- No lot number, or a different one
- A purity figure with no chromatogram
- Results with no limits to compare
- A screenshot that looks edited
Resources
How to read a COA
✦ Lot-matched documentation · Updated October 5, 2026
A certificate of analysis (COA) is the laboratory report for one specific lot of material. It documents what was tested, how, and what the instrument reported. This guide walks through the parts of a typical certificate so you can check a lot against its paperwork before it enters your workflow.
A COA documents analytical testing of a lot. It is not an approval, endorsement or authorization for any human or veterinary use. All FORMA materials are for laboratory research use only.
Match the lot
Start with the lot (batch) number on your vial label. It must match the lot on the certificate exactly. If it does not, you are looking at the wrong report. You can look up any lot on the COAs page or scan the QR code on your label.
Check the header
- Material name: the name of the compound tested.
- Lot or batch number: ties the report to your vial.
- Report or sample ID: the laboratory’s own reference for the sample.
- Test date: when the analysis was run.
- Laboratory: who performed the testing. Independent, third-party labs add credibility because they have no stake in the result.
Purity (HPLC)
High-performance liquid chromatography separates a sample into its components. The detector draws a chromatogram: a line with peaks. The tallest peak is the main compound, and smaller peaks are other components. Purity is the area of the main peak as a percentage of the total area of all detected peaks, so 99% means the main peak made up 99% of what the detector saw.
- Look for one dominant peak with a clean, flat baseline.
- Read the stated method, such as column, wavelength and run time. Purity values from different methods are not directly comparable.
- Purity is a result for the tested lot only.
Identity (mass spectrometry)
Mass spectrometry measures the molecular mass of what is in the sample. The report lists an expected mass for the compound and the observed mass from the instrument. These should agree within the instrument’s tolerance. This is what confirms the material is what the label says it is, and it is separate from purity.
Other results you may see
- Appearance: physical description of the material.
- Quantity or content: the amount reported per vial, when tested.
- Additional testing: some certificates add items such as water content, heavy metals, residual solvents, sterility or endotoxin, depending on what was requested.
Look at the signature block
A complete certificate shows the laboratory name, contact details, the date, and a signature or authorized approval. Results should be traceable to the lab, not just to a seller.
Quick checklist
- Lot number matches your vial
- Independent lab named, with date
- Method stated
- Chromatogram shows one dominant peak
- Observed mass matches expected mass
- Report ID can be verified on our COAs page
Questions about a certificate
If something on a certificate is unclear, contact us with your lot number and we will point you to the right document. We do not provide dosing, use or administration guidance.
Still have a question?
We are happy to help.
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