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Understand lab results

What was tested, what was found, and what remains unknown.

A lab report describes the submitted sample. It can answer specific testing questions; it does not establish a product's effect in people or suitability for personal use.

Lab results

Identity

Is it the named substance?

Look for the identity conclusion supported by the lab's methods. A product name on a report or a purity percentage is not a complete identity check.

Purity

What did the purity test find?

Chromatographic purity compares detected signals. It does not by itself measure everything in the vial by weight, the amount in milligrams, or sterility.

Amount

How much did the lab find?

Compare the labelled and measured amounts using the same units and basis: per vial, tablet, millilitre, or pack. An amount above the label is not automatically a better result.

Bacterial toxins

Was an endotoxin test performed?

Read the exact result, including any less-than sign and its units. A measurement range is different from an acceptance limit. Endotoxin testing does not establish sterility.

Sterility

Does the report include a sterility result?

A sterility conclusion needs its own test and stated scope. If it is absent, the useful answer is ‘No sterility result in this report.’

Make sure the report matches

Check the substance, selected amount, batch number, sample and test dates, laboratory, and report identifier. A report for another batch does not establish the result for yours.

The laboratory that performed the tests and a website presenting its report may be different organizations. Where available, verify the original report directly with its issuer.

A result is not automatically a pass

“Meets stated limit” needs a documented, applicable limit and matching units. “No limit supplied,” “Not reported,” and “Association not verified” describe different gaps. None means the test passed.

Other tests, such as residual solvents or metals, only answer questions within their stated methods. A report does not prove that all possible contaminants were tested.