Third-Party Verification · Krause Analytical
How we test every batch. And why we publish every result.
A complete walk-through of OPTMZ Peptides’ independent testing program — the analytical methods, the lab partner, the Certificate of Analysis we generate for every batch, and how you can verify every result yourself.
The principle
Research-grade peptides demand absolute clarity.
At OPTMZ Peptides, every product we sell undergoes rigorous third-party laboratory testing for purity verification and quality assurance. Test results are published directly on every product page and in the public Lab Results archive. The COA travels with the vial.
This is not standard in the industry. Most peptide suppliers rely on in-house testing claims, manufacturer-supplied certificates, or unverified purity statements. We do not. Our entire model is built on the assumption that the buyer should be able to verify every claim — independently, and without our help.
The Difference
Radical transparency over opacity.
We test our own products. So does every other peptide supplier. The difference is what we do with the results.
Hidden testing
- Test in-house — but keep results secret or share only with select customers
- Publish unverified claims — “99% pure” with no supporting documentation
- Hide testing methodology — proprietary protocols customers can’t verify
- No verification pathway — customers must trust claims blindly
- Hard to audit — testing-lab contact information unavailable or withheld
Published & verifiable
- Test every batch — using HPLC, mass spectrometry, and a five-method contamination panel
- Publish complete Certificates of Analysis — not summaries, the actual COAs
- Name the testing laboratory — Krause Analytical, DEA-registered, Austin TX
- Encourage customer verification — call Krause directly to confirm any batch
- Show our work — purity %, batch numbers, methods, test dates, analyst signatures
The Process
Five steps. One chain of evidence.
Every batch we ship has been through this process. Every result is documented in the Certificate of Analysis that travels with the vial.
Acquisition & Preparation
Representative sample drawn from the batch. Unique batch number assigned. Chain-of-custody documented from supplier to lab.
Purity Quantification
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. Measures the percentage of intact, target peptide in the sample. The primary purity metric.
Identity Confirmation
Mass Spectrometry. Confirms the molecular weight matches the target peptide’s theoretical mass. Identity, not just purity.
Contamination Screens
Endotoxin (LAL), heavy metals (ICP-MS), microbial bioburden, pH stability, and visual inspection. Five layers of safety verification.
Certificate of Analysis
Krause Analytical generates the COA. We publish it on the product page and in the Lab Results archive. The receipt for every claim.
The Two Primary Methods
HPLC measures purity.
Mass spec confirms identity.
Together, they provide complete quality verification: your peptide is both pure AND correct. Each batch is run through both before release.
Method 01
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography.
HPLC is the gold standard for peptide purity verification. It is the primary method used to measure what percentage of your sample is intact, target peptide.
How HPLC works
- The peptide sample is dissolved and injected into the HPLC system
- A liquid mobile phase carries the sample through a stationary-phase column
- Different compounds separate from one another based on their chemical properties
- A detector measures each compound as it elutes — the output is a chromatogram, a graph of every compound present and how much of each
What HPLC tells us about your batch
- Peptide purity percentage — exactly how much of the sample is the desired, intact peptide
- Related peptide impurities — slightly modified versions present (oxidized, truncated, etc.)
- Degradation products — evidence of damage from heat, light, or chemical breakdown
- Foreign contaminants — compounds that should not be present
- Batch consistency — whether all samples in the batch meet the specification
What we accept
OPTMZ Peptides specifies a minimum 98% HPLC purity threshold for release. Most batches test between 98.5% and 99.9%. Batches below 98% are rejected and never enter inventory.
Method 02
Mass Spectrometry.
Mass spectrometry is the confirmatory test that verifies the identity of your peptide. While HPLC tells us how pure the sample is, mass spectrometry tells us we have the correct compound.
How mass spectrometry works
- The peptide sample is ionized — given an electrical charge
- The resulting ions are separated based on their mass-to-charge ratio
- A detector measures the mass of each ion individually
- The output is a mass spectrum — peaks showing the molecular weights present in the sample
What mass spec confirms about your batch
- Correct molecular weight — observed mass matches the peptide’s theoretical mass within ±1–2 Da tolerance
- Identity verification — the compound is the peptide it claims to be, not a similar substance
- No mislabeled compounds — rules out batch mix-ups or substitution errors
- Structural integrity — indicates the peptide chain is intact and not degraded
Why both methods, every batch
HPLC alone tells you purity, but not identity. Mass spec alone tells you identity, but not purity. Run together, they make the COA’s claims complete.
HPLC
Tells us: how pure (e.g. 99.7%)
Doesn’t tell us: which compound
Mass Spec
Tells us: which compound (correct molecular weight)
Doesn’t tell us: how pure
Additional Tests
Five additional contamination and stability screens.
Beyond purity and identity, every batch is screened for contamination and stability across five additional dimensions. The full panel is documented in every Certificate of Analysis.
| Test | What it screens for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Endotoxin (LAL)METHOD | Bacterial endotoxin presence using Limulus amebocyte lysate testing. | Critical for research workflows requiring sterility. Endotoxin contamination invalidates downstream protocols. |
| Microbial BioburdenUSP <1111> | Bacterial and fungal colony counts, total aerobic and yeast/mold limits. | Essential for sensitive laboratory applications. Confirms absence of contamination from synthesis or handling. |
| Heavy Metals (ICP-MS)ICH Q3D | Trace metal contamination across Pb, Cd, As, Hg, V, Ni and other elemental impurities. | Required for high-purity research. Heavy metal contamination is a known issue in peptide synthesis byproducts. |
| pH StabilityMETHOD | Verification of solution stability at standard storage pH conditions. | Confirms the peptide remains structurally stable at expected research storage conditions. A stability indicator beyond purity alone. |
| Visual InspectionQC | Lyophilized cake integrity, color, particulate matter, and physical form. | Final visual QC step before release. Catches issues that analytical methods alone might miss. |
The Certificate of Analysis
The COA is the receipt.
Once Krause Analytical completes the analytical panel, they generate a formal Certificate of Analysis. We don’t file these away — we publish them directly on every product page and in the public Lab Results archive.
What every COA contains
- Product name, batch number, and lot identification
- Test date and testing laboratory name (Krause Analytical)
- HPLC purity percentage — primary quality metric
- Molecular weight confirmation via mass spectrometry
- Test methods used and equipment specifications
- Specifications vs. actual results comparison
- Endotoxin, microbial, heavy metals, pH stability, visual screens
- Laboratory registration: DEA registration number
- Analyst signature and lab director approval
- Laboratory contact information for independent verification
How we publish them
We don’t gate access to test results. The Certificate of Analysis is published in three places, all freely accessible:
- On the product page. A “Verified Lab Analysis” card displays purity %, batch number, test date, and a download link. Visible without login.
- In the Lab Results archive. Every batch ever released. Searchable by the batch number printed on your vial label. Browse the archive →
- Downloadable as PDF. The complete Certificate of Analysis. Yours to keep, archive, share with your institution, or attach to your research records.
Reading a COA
Six steps to verify your specific batch.
Every Certificate of Analysis follows the same structure. Once you know what to look for, verification takes about ninety seconds.
Verify the batch number
The batch number printed on your vial must match the batch number on the COA. This confirms you received the exact batch that was tested. If they differ, contact us immediately — that should never happen.
Check the test date
Confirm the test date is recent — ideally within one to three months of your purchase date. Older results may indicate storage delays or a stale batch.
Read the HPLC purity result
Look for the line labeled “HPLC Assay” or “Purity %.” Compare the actual result to the specification. If actual is greater than or equal to the specification, the batch meets standards.
Confirm the molecular weight
Look for the line labeled “Molecular Weight” or “Mass Spectrometry.” The theoretical MW should match the observed MW within ±1–2 Da. This is the identity confirmation — proof you have the correct compound, not just a pure something.
Review additional test results
Verify the contamination and stability panel results: endotoxin, microbial, heavy metals, pH stability, visual. Each should show “PASS” or values within the specified range. Any “FAIL” result means the batch did not meet standards — and we did not ship it.
Verify lab credentials
The bottom of every COA includes Krause Analytical’s name, DEA registration number, the analyst signature, and direct contact information. If you want to verify the result independently, you can call the lab and confirm the batch result. We encourage it.
Understanding Purity
What "99.7% pure" actually means.
When Krause Analytical reports a peptide as “99.7% pure,” that is a precise, lab-verified measurement. The remaining 0.3% is composed of impurities, degradation products, or carrier material. Higher purity means cleaner, more reliable research data.
Purity grading across the industry
Research Grade
Exploratory research, proof-of-concept work where small impurity profiles are tolerable. Lowest cost. Most commonly available across the industry.
High Purity
Serious research applications, institutional laboratory use, and protocols where impurity profiles can affect reproducibility. OPTMZ Peptides ships at this grade or higher across the catalog.
Ultra-High Purity
Demanding research applications and publication-quality work. Higher cost. Many OPTMZ batches naturally test in this range — see the rolling 90-day average on the homepage.
Common impurity types and what they indicate
When reviewing your COA, you may see references to specific impurity classes. Understanding these helps you interpret results:
| Impurity type | Cause | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Oxidized forms | Exposure to oxygen during synthesis, handling, or storage | Indicates potential storage or supplier-handling issues. Usually low-percent. |
| Truncated peptides | Incomplete synthesis or partial degradation | Can skew research results if present in high amounts. Watch for >1%. |
| Related peptides | Similar compounds from synthesis byproducts | Usually minimal impact unless very high. Documented when present. |
| Residual solvents | Incomplete removal during purification | Safety consideration; analytical labs screen for this. Should be undetectable in the final lyophilized product. |
| Salts & buffers | Necessary for peptide stability during synthesis | Expected. Documented in the COA as “carrier material” or counted toward the 0.x% non-peptide fraction. |
| Solution pH drift | Subtle changes to the reconstituted-solution pH over time | Detected via our pH stability test. Drift indicates the peptide may be approaching the end of its usable solution life. |
Industry Standards
The frameworks our testing methods reference.
OPTMZ Peptides’ testing program references recognized pharmacopeial and regulatory frameworks, even though research-use peptides are not subject to FDA drug-approval review.
Methodological references
- USP (United States Pharmacopeia) — analytical methods for pharmaceutical-grade testing
- BP (British Pharmacopoeia) — European pharmaceutical standards
- Ph. Eur. (European Pharmacopoeia) — international standards for pharmaceutical quality
- ICH Q3D — heavy metals limits for elemental impurities
Krause Analytical credentials
- DEA registration — Krause Analytical operates as a DEA-registered analytical laboratory in Austin, TX
- Independent operation — Krause is not owned by, or financially aligned with, peptide manufacturers or suppliers
- Multi-supplier testing — Krause tests for multiple research-supply customers, eliminating single-supplier conflicts of interest
- Direct verification — Krause’s contact information appears on every COA. You can verify any batch result by calling them directly
Storage & Stability
The COA's purity holds only if storage holds.
The purity documented in your Certificate of Analysis applies when the peptide is stored correctly. Improper storage can degrade peptides and reduce purity over time. The guidelines below apply to every product in the catalog unless the COA specifies otherwise.
Lyophilized (powder) form
Reconstituted solution
How temperature affects purity over time
| Storage condition | Effect on peptide stability | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen (−20°C) | Peptides remain stable; documented purity maintained over 1–3 years. | Long-term storage standard |
| Refrigerated (2–8°C) | Acceptable for short-term storage; slight degradation over weeks to months. | Short-term only |
| Room temperature (20–25°C) | Rapid degradation; purity declines within days to weeks. | Do not store |
| Heat (>25°C) | Very rapid degradation; structural integrity compromised quickly. | Avoid entirely |
Researcher Questions
Frequently asked about our testing.
The most common questions about our testing methodology, COA interpretation, and laboratory partnership.
How long does testing take from sample receipt to COA?
Typically 5–10 business days. HPLC and MS testing each take 1–2 days; the additional contamination panel (endotoxin, microbial, heavy metals) may add 3–5 days. The COA is generated and published before the batch ships, so you receive it with your product.
Can I request custom or additional testing?
What if my peptide's purity is below the listed specification?
Contact us immediately. We will either issue a replacement batch (guaranteed higher purity), provide a full refund, or discuss the technical details if there’s a unique reason for the result. Batches below specification do not ship from OPTMZ Peptides — if you are seeing a sub-spec result on your COA, that should not have left our facility, and we want to know about it.
Is Krause Analytical accredited?
Krause Analytical is a DEA-registered analytical laboratory in Austin, Texas. The DEA registration appears on every COA. Krause is independent — not owned by, or financially aligned with, any peptide manufacturer or supplier — and tests for multiple research-supply customers, which eliminates single-supplier conflicts of interest.
Can I verify a COA's authenticity?
Yes — and we encourage it. Each COA includes Krause Analytical’s direct contact information. You can call the lab and confirm any batch result yourself. This is one of the reasons we publish the lab’s name openly. Independent verification is the foundation of research, and it has to extend to the supplier as well.
Can I download the COA for institutional records?
Yes. The full Certificate of Analysis is downloadable as a PDF directly from the product page or the Lab Results archive. The PDF is suitable for institutional review boards, research-facility documentation, and your own laboratory records. The COA is yours to share with your institution as needed.
How do I interpret different testing methods on my COA?
Each method serves a specific purpose:
- HPLC — measures purity percentage and the impurity profile
- Mass spectrometry — confirms identity via observed molecular weight
- Endotoxin and microbial — verify sterility for sensitive applications
- Heavy metals (ICP-MS) — screen for trace metal contamination
- pH stability — confirms the peptide stays structurally stable at standard research storage conditions
- Visual inspection — final QC step, confirms physical form integrity
If you have a question about a specific result, call our research line and we’ll walk through it with you on the phone.
Our Commitment
Rigorous, independent, publicly verifiable.
Every batch undergoes third-party testing at Krause Analytical.
Every Certificate of Analysis is published on the product page.
Every purity percentage is lab-verified — never claimed.
The testing laboratory is independent and named.
Every result is downloadable and independently verifiable.
Batches below 98% HPLC purity are rejected — never shipped.Need help?
Questions about your test results?
If you have questions about testing procedures, how to interpret your COA, what specific results mean for your application, or you need custom testing arrangements, our research support team is the right place to start.
TYPICAL RESPONSE: UNDER 2 BUSINESS HOURS
