What makes us stop and check
COA red flags—and what better evidence looks like
One odd detail does not prove fraud. It does earn a closer look, preferably at the complete lab-issued report rather than a cropped vendor image.
Research Use Only. These comparisons address documentation quality, not product safety or use in humans.
No method listed
Why it matters“Purity: 99%” is nearly context-free if the report never says how it was measured. A COA with no method listed isn't worth much.
Better documentationNames the assay, gives useful conditions, and includes a trace or spectrum tied to the same sample.
In-house-only testing
Why it mattersThe seller controls both the material and the evidence, creating a conflict of interest. Sparse in-house records are difficult to authenticate.
Better documentationIncludes an independent laboratory report that can be verified, or clearly documents the in-house lab, method, equipment, dates, and quality controls.
“100.0% purity” with no qualification
Why it mattersThis is a red flag, not a gold star. Chromatographic results depend on detection, integration, reporting thresholds, and rounding.
Better documentationReports the area result with the method, full chromatogram, peak integration, relevant thresholds, and sensible precision.
Missing impurity data
Why it mattersA target peak alone does not show how other peaks were handled, and one detector may miss components that do not respond under the method.
Better documentationShows the full trace, integrated peaks, total or individual impurities, and separate relevant tests where claimed.
Mismatched lot numbers
Why it mattersA genuine report for another lot does not document the vial being evaluated.
Better documentationUses the exact same sample or lot identifier on vial, COA summary, raw-data pages, and laboratory verification record.
No test date
Why it mattersWithout an analysis date, the report's timeline and connection to the batch cannot be assessed.
Better documentationSeparately identifies relevant receipt, analysis, and report dates in a plausible sequence.
Image-only PDF with no text layer
Why it mattersA scan can be legitimate, but it is harder to search, inspect for edits, and compare identifiers. Flattening may also hide alterations.
Better documentationProvides the original digitally generated, searchable report, ideally with a report ID or laboratory-controlled verification path.
Missing chromatograms, mismatched lots, and unexplained 100.0% claims deserve follow-up. Work through the verification checklist, and never borrow an untested conclusion from a different assay.