A certificate of analysis (COA) is a lab report that confirms what a batch is and how pure it is. On a good COA you should find the compound’s identity (usually by mass spectrometry), its purity (usually by HPLC), a lot number that matches your product, and the name of the lab that ran the test. If any of those four are missing, treat the document with caution.
By the Explicit SARMs Team. Updated October 23, 2026.
What is a certificate of analysis?
A COA is the written result of analytical testing on one specific batch. It ties a set of measurements to a lot number, so it only describes the material made in that run. A COA for a different lot, or one with no lot number at all, tells you little about the bottle or vial in front of you.
What sections should a COA include?
- Product name and lot number. The lot number should match the one printed on your label.
- Testing lab. The lab’s name, and ideally its address or accreditation.
- Test date. When the analysis was run.
- Identity result. Confirmation that the compound is what the label says.
- Purity result. The percentage of the sample that is the target compound.
- Method. Which techniques were used, such as HPLC or LC-MS.
- Signature or approval. Who reviewed and released the report.
What does HPLC purity mean?
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separates a sample into its components and measures how much of each is present. The result is a chromatogram, a chart with a main peak for the target compound and smaller peaks for anything else. Purity is the area of the main peak as a share of the total. A result of 99% means about 99% of what the detector saw was the target compound.
What does mass spectrometry confirm?
Mass spectrometry (MS) measures the molecular mass of the compound. If the measured mass matches the expected mass, the identity is confirmed. For example, ostarine (MK-2866) has a molecular weight of about 389.3, so its MS result should show a matching value. HPLC alone tells you how pure something is, while MS tells you what it is. A strong COA reports both.
How do I check a COA for a peptide blend?
For blends such as KLOW or BPC-157 / TB-500, the COA should identify every component, not just one. Look for a separate identity result for each peptide and a purity result for each component or for the blend as a whole.
What are the red flags on a COA?
- No lot number, or a lot number that does not match your product.
- No lab name, or a lab you cannot find any record of.
- A purity figure with no chromatogram or method listed.
- Identical results and dates across many different products.
- Signs of editing, such as mismatched fonts or blurred numbers.
- A test date far older than the product’s manufacture.
Who tests Explicit SARMs products?
Our products are manufactured in the US and tested at three stages: twice by our manufacturer (when the raw ingredient arrives and after processing or lyophilization), then independently by Accumark, a third-party analytical lab, on our behalf when we receive the finished batch. You can request the COA for your lot through our contact page. Quote the lot number on your label so we send the right report. Our lab results page is being expanded with published COAs.
Does a COA mean a product is approved for any use?
No. A COA reports identity and purity for research purposes. It is not an approval for any use, and research compounds are not for human consumption.
Where can I find research compounds with lot COAs?
Every product in our SARM capsules and research peptides collections has a lot COA available on request.
What purity should a research compound have?
There is no single legal standard for research compounds, but many labs look for HPLC purity of 98% or higher for peptides and SARMs used as reference material. What matters as much as the number is that it comes with a chromatogram, a method and a matching lot number.
Can I verify a COA with the lab?
Often, yes. Many independent labs can confirm whether a report with a given number and lot was issued by them. If a lab cannot be contacted or has no public presence, that is a warning sign.
For laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption. Sold by Explicit SARMs solely as reference material for in-vitro and laboratory research by qualified professionals. Not evaluated by the FDA and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.