Ever bought a SARM and wondered if the label matches reality? A solid Certificate of Analysis (CoA) can tell you exactly that — but only if you know how to read it. In an industry where transparency matters more than ever, understanding a CoA is your safeguard.
What is a CoA and why it matters
A CoA is a lab‑issued document showing the testing results for a specific batch or lot of a compound. It reveals things like purity, potency, contaminants, and verifies what a supplier claims. For SARMs specifically in the UK, it can mean the difference between getting what you pay for — and buying a mislabelled or sub‑par product. Sources show CoAs are essential in the research chemical space to validate product quality.
Think of it like a car’s MOT certificate: yes the body looks good, but here you’re checking beneath the hood.
1. Check the top‑section: Product & Lot Info
Start at the top. A good CoA should include:
- Product name (e.g., the SARM’s exact chemical name)
- Lot/batch or serial number (so you can match it to the product you have)
- Date of manufacture and/or date of test
- Name of the testing lab and lab accreditation status
- Supplier/manufacturer details
2. Understand the testing methods used
Next: look for the “how” behind the numbers. A CoA will list the analytical methods: e.g., HPLC (High‑Performance Liquid Chromatography), Mass Spectrometry (MS), UV detection, etc. Good labs will quote ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation or GLP standards.
Why does this matter? Because a “purity 99%” claim means little if the test method was weak or the lab not credible.
3. Dive into the results: Purity & potency
This is the most important part. Key elements to interpret:
- Active ingredient result: how much of the SARM is present (often expressed as % purity or mg/g)
- Purity vs other compounds: Is there one clean major peak in the chromatogram? A “single peak” suggests minimal contamination.
- Retention time in the chromatogram: If the targeted compound shows up at the correct retention time, that’s a good sign.
- Contaminants/impurities: Are there additional peaks? Solvents? Heavy metals? The CoA should state these.
- Pass/fail or specification limits: Sometimes the lab will say “specification: ≥ 98% purity; result: 98.7%” etc.
For SARMs especially, many sources suggest you should look for purity of 98% or higher.
4. Verify lab accreditation & sample authenticity
A CoA is only as good as the lab behind it. Ensure:
- The testing lab is independent (i.e., not the same as the manufacturer)
- Lab credentials, accreditation (ISO/IEC 17025) or other recognised standards are listed.
- Batch/lot number on the CoA matches your product’s batch.
- The date on the CoA is recent (old test doesn’t guarantee the new batch is the same).
5. Spotting the red flags (Is the CoA fake?)
Not all CoAs are trustworthy. Here are warning signs:
- No lot or batch number listed.
- Date is very old, or only one CoA for many different batches.
- Multiple big peaks in the chromatogram (suggests contamination).
- Lab name is unclear or can’t be verified; maybe Google reveals no such lab.
- Retention time doesn’t match known values for that SARM (so check reference values if available).
- The CoA is generic (shows generic product “SARM” rather than the specific chemical).
Practical checklist – your 5‑point quick scan
Before you buy or use a SARM, run through this:
- ✅ Does the CoA list your product’s exact batch/lot number?
- ✅ Is the active compound, such as MK-677 (above) shown at the correct retention time and with a dominant single peak?
- ✅ Is purity ≥ 98% (or within an acceptable range for that compound)?
- ✅ Was the test performed by an accredited third‑party lab (lab name, accreditation listed)?
- ✅ Is the date recent, and do the lab details match what you can verify independently?
If you answer “No” to any of these, proceed with caution.
Final thoughts & your next step
Reading a CoA isn’t about being a chemist — it’s about being a smart buyer. If you get comfortable interpreting the key elements above, you’ll be far better equipped to evaluate the products you’re considering.
Action for you right now: Save a copy of the CoA for every batch you buy. Match it to the product. Keep it in a labelled folder (digital or physical). When in doubt, ask the supplier for a raw data or certificate version you can verify.
FAQ
Q: Does a CoA guarantee safety?
A: No. It verifies purity/identity for that batch and test. It doesn’t guarantee human safety, especially if the product is used outside of research or without medical oversight.
Q: Should I always request a CoA even if the product page has one listed?
A: Yes. Ensure the CoA corresponds to your batch, has a lot number, recent date, and accredited lab info. If vague, ask the supplier for additional proof.
Q: What if the CoA shows 95% purity, not 98%?
A: It depends on the SARM and your risk tolerance. Many in the industry aim for ≥ 98%. Lower purity may mean more impurities or less effective dosing. For canditates in authorised trials, this could put them at risk during SARMs testing
Q: How can I learn more about choosing the right supplier?
A: Check out our guide: How to find the best SARMs supplier