A Certificate of Analysis should connect a specific sample to specific results. A polished layout is not evidence by itself; traceability, method context and internal consistency are what make the document useful.
Certificate and sample identity
Check the certificate number, issue date, product or sample name, batch number and sample form. These fields should agree with the submitted sample and any commercial documentation used for traceability.
Analyte information
For a peptide, the COA may state the analyte name, CAS number, molecular formula, theoretical molecular mass and sequence or modification. Not every field applies to every sample, but the information shown should be internally consistent.
Results table
Read each row across rather than focusing only on the result value.
- Test item: the property measured
- Method: how it was tested
- Specification: the agreed criterion or theoretical value
- Result: the observed value
- Unit: the reporting basis
- Conclusion: conforms or another stated assessment
Issuer and verification
A coordination-platform COA should distinguish the laboratory source from the certificate issuer. QCTests issues a traceable COA based on reported laboratory results; it does not present itself as the testing laboratory. Use the certificate number and private verification code to confirm that the limited public record matches the issued document.