How to Read a Botanical Lab Report

A certificate of analysis, often called a COA, records results for a particular sample. Reading it starts with identifying that sample, then checking what was tested and how the results are reported.

1. Match the sample and lot

Look for the product or sample name, batch or lot identifier, laboratory name, report number and relevant dates. Compare the lot with the item you are checking. A familiar product name or a similar filename alone does not establish that a report covers your batch.

If a report uses a former product name, ask for the record connecting that name and batch to the current item. A sheet marked “all batches” does not identify a particular tested lot.

2. Read the result, unit and specification together

A result is the reported finding. A specification is the criterion used to assess it. Keep the units attached to both. A number without its unit or measurement basis can be misleading.

• % w/w expresses mass as a percentage of mass.
• mg/kg means milligrams per kilogram.
• CFU/g means colony-forming units per gram, a unit used for some microbial results.

Do not treat a percentage of one named compound as the same thing as total alkaloids. A compound's share within an alkaloid profile is also different from its percentage of the entire material. See our guide to total alkaloid percentages.

3. Check the scope of testing

Read each test row separately. An alkaloid result does not supply a heavy-metal, pesticide, microbial or residual-solvent result. A “pass” statement should be read alongside the test and acceptance criterion it refers to.

“On request” means the displayed sheet does not provide that result. It is not a numerical finding or a contaminant pass. Ask for the supporting report when a result you need is missing.

4. Understand detection limits

Laboratory methods have detection limits. A substance reported as not detected should not automatically be treated as an absolute zero: check the laboratory's definition, method and stated reporting limit. NIST's explanation of a detection limit describes the difficulty of distinguishing a small analytical signal from background noise.

5. Check that you have the complete report

Look at page numbering and request missing pages. Use a readable original document when possible; a small screenshot can obscure decimal points, units and qualifications. If two figures appear inconsistent, ask the issuer to explain their measurement bases rather than silently changing or combining them.

6. Separate composition from effects

A composition result answers a question about the sample tested. It does not by itself demonstrate a health benefit, establish a serving size or prove that one extract is better than another.

For a practical comparison of labels and formats, read Comparing Kanna Extracts: Labels, Profiles & Formats. For help identifying a document, use our contact page and include the product name, lot identifier and report number when available.