Report-reading checklist
COA red flags in one place.
A COA can be useful, but only if you can read what it actually supports and what it does not.
Check these fields first
- Lab name is visible and identifiable.
- Report ID or certificate number exists.
- Seller, product, compound, batch, or lot can be matched to the item being discussed.
- Test date is visible.
- HPLC purity is included, if purity is being claimed.
- Mass spec / identity testing is included, if identity is being claimed.
- Net content / quantification is included, if amount is being claimed.
- Sterility, endotoxin, and heavy metals are only counted if those specific tests appear.
- Report ID can be verified with the lab, or status is labeled unknown.
Stronger but limited
A report with lab, ID, batch match, relevant tests, and verification path.
Incomplete report
A report missing fields needed to understand what was tested.
Seller claim only
Marketing copy, screenshots, or claims that cannot be independently checked yet.