HPLC and mass spectrometry answer different questions. HPLC shows how much of the detected material is the main component. Mass spectrometry shows whether that component has the expected mass. Purity and identity are separate results, so a COA that reports only one of them leaves the other question open.
| HPLC | Mass spectrometry (MS) | |
|---|---|---|
| Question answered | How much of the detected material is the main component | Whether the main component has the expected mass |
| Output | Chromatogram with peaks; purity as area percent | Spectrum with observed mass-to-charge values |
| Typical report | "Purity: value % (RP-HPLC, wavelength nm)" | "Identity confirmed by MS; observed mass value Da" |
| Limit | Does not confirm identity: a clean peak can be the wrong molecule | Not a quantitative purity result on its own |
HPLC in brief
The sample passes through a column, and a UV detector set to a stated wavelength records each component as a peak. Purity is the area of the main peak divided by the total area of all integrated peaks. Water, counter-ions and material that does not absorb at that wavelength are not measured, so HPLC purity is not the same as net peptide content.
Mass spectrometry in brief
The instrument measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ionised molecules, often as several charge states. The observed mass is compared with the theoretical mass calculated from the molecular formula. Agreement within the method tolerance supports identity.
Where these results appear on an Ageless Peptides COA
- HPLC appears as Purity and Purity method, with the wavelength in nm.
- Mass spectrometry appears as Identity (Confirmed or Not confirmed, and the method) and Observed mass in Da.
- The full laboratory report is attached to each COA as a PDF.
See How to read an Ageless Peptides COA for every field.
Research use only
These are analytical results only. They are not a statement of safety or suitability for any human or veterinary use.
