Sourcing Guide
What to verify before ordering any research peptide. Five non-negotiables — and why each one matters.
1. Lot-Specific COA
The Certificate of Analysis must describe your exact lot — not a generic template. Lot number on the COA should match the lot number on the vial label. If they don’t match, walk away.
2. HPLC Purity ≥ 98%
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography measures purity. Below 98% means significant impurities. The COA should show the actual chromatogram — not just a purity percentage.
3. Mass Spectrometry Confirmation
Mass spec confirms the molecular weight matches the peptide sequence. Without it, HPLC purity tells you the sample is pure — but not what it’s pure of. Both are required.
4. Third-Party Lab
The test lab should be independent of the manufacturer. In-house testing is a conflict of interest. Look for an ISO-accredited third-party lab name on the COA.
5. Storage & Shipping Standards
Lyophilized peptides should ship in sealed, desiccated vials. Reconstituted peptides require cold chain. Ask about packaging and shipping method before ordering.
Lot number matches vial
Every legitimate COA ties to a specific production lot. The number on the document must be on the vial.
HPLC chromatogram shown
Not just a purity percentage — the actual peak graph. Peaks confirm what’s in the sample and that it elutes at the right retention time.
Molecular weight confirmed
Mass spec shows the [M+H]+ or [M+2H]2+ ion matching the theoretical MW of the sequence. BPC-157: 1,419 Da. Serm: 3,357 Da.
Third-party lab named
The testing lab name and location are on the document. You can look them up independently.
Generic COA template
No lot number, or a lot number that doesn’t match the vial. Template COAs are created once and attached to every order.
Purity percentage only
“99.9% pure” with no chromatogram means nothing. Anyone can type a number. The chromatogram is the proof.
No mass spec
HPLC alone can’t confirm you have the right compound. Mass spec is required for sequence confirmation.
COA on request only
Any legitimate supplier publishes COAs proactively, searchable by lot. “Available on request” is a delay tactic.
Why Forge Scientific
Every compound ships with a lot-specific COA showing both HPLC and mass spectrometry from an independent third-party lab. You can access any lot’s COA before you order.