A certificate of analysis, or COA, is a document from a testing laboratory that reports what was tested in a specific production batch and what the results were. It can look technical at first, but a few sections tell you most of what you need to know.
Start with the batch number
A COA applies to one batch, not to a product in general. Check that the batch or lot number on the report matches the one printed on your product. If they differ, the report does not describe what you have in your hands.
Check who did the testing
Look for the laboratory’s name, the date of the test and a signature or approval. Reports from an independent laboratory give you a second set of eyes beyond the manufacturer. A very old test date is also worth asking about.
Read the test results
Most COAs are laid out as a table with three columns:
- Test: what was measured, such as identity, heavy metals or microbial count.
- Specification: the acceptable range or limit for that test.
- Result: what the laboratory actually found.
Compare the result to the specification on each line. A result marked “ND” means none was detected at the level the method can measure.
Look at the methods
COAs usually name the method used for each test. You do not need to know them all, but a named method shows how the result was reached, which makes the report easier to verify.
What a COA does not tell you
A COA reports laboratory results for a batch. It does not show that a product will have any particular health effect, and it is not medical advice. If you have questions about whether a product is right for you, ask your healthcare provider.
Finding our certificates
You can search our COA library by product name or batch number. If you cannot find the report you need, contact us and we will help.