How research-grade peptide quality is evaluated
What the analytical chemistry actually measures, and what the documents researchers should look for from any vendor.
The four standard tests
- HPLC purity — High-performance liquid chromatography. Separates the molecules in a sample and counts the area under each peak. Research-grade target is typically ≥99%.
- Mass spec identity — Confirms the molecule has the correct molecular weight. A peptide can be 99% pure and still be the wrong molecule entirely; mass spec catches that.
- Endotoxin screen — Catches bacterial contamination on lyophilized vials. Critical for any peptide intended for injection in research contexts.
- Sterility & appearance QC — Final pass at fill. Catches anything visible (cake malformation, particulates, seal issues).
What a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) should contain
A meaningful CoA, when one is provided by a vendor, should include the peptide name + lot number, the testing lab’s name (not just the seller’s), the date of testing, the analytical method used (HPLC, mass spec), the measured purity number, and the lab’s contact or signature.
Self-issued CoAs (where the vendor is the testing party) carry less weight than third-party CoAs. The signature on a meaningful CoA is the independent lab’s, not the seller’s.
What we ship today
Origin Health ships research-grade peptides synthesized to the published purity targets above, with reference dosing PDFs in every box. Our independent third-party lab partnership is currently being finalized; once active, batch-specific CoAs will be available on request.
What to be skeptical of (any vendor, including us)
- Self-issued CoAs branded with the seller’s logo at the top
- Round purity numbers (“99%”) without HPLC chromatograms to back them up
- “Pharmaceutical-grade” claims by vendors that don’t hold pharmaceutical licensure
- Marketing that conflates “tested” with “approved for human use”
- Vendors that make medical claims about research compounds