Education
HPLC vs LC-MS for identity and purity analysis.
HPLC and LC-MS are complementary analytical techniques. Documentation reviewers should understand what each method can and cannot demonstrate, and look for both when batch records claim identity and purity together.
HPLC scope
- • Supports purity analysis through peak separation
- • Quantifies relative abundance of detected species
- • Method, column, mobile phase and run length should be disclosed
- • Does not, on its own, confirm molecular identity
LC-MS scope
- • Adds mass-spectrometric detection on top of liquid chromatography
- • Supports identity confirmation against expected mass / fragments
- • Useful when supplier records claim identity of the target compound
- • Method parameters and instrument should be disclosed in the report
How to read a combined report
- • Confirm both methods are named in the CoA
- • Check that the batch number on the chromatogram matches the certificate ID
- • Look for reviewer / signatory information from the issuing lab
- • Compare report date to the batch review window
Limitations
- • Neither method alone establishes safety, legality, approval or suitability
- • Identity and purity results are batch-specific, not product-wide
- • Documentation can still be reused, mismatched, or outdated
- • PurityLedger displays method context, not endorsement of outcomes
Important limitation: This record does not certify safety, legality, efficacy, approval, or suitability for human/veterinary use.
PurityLedger provides documentation review, batch record hosting, CoA verification tools and analytical testing coordination only. PurityLedger does not certify any product as safe, effective, legal, approved, or suitable for human or veterinary use. Testing records are batch-specific and do not constitute medical advice, regulatory approval, or endorsement of any supplier or product. Clients and users are responsible for compliance with applicable laws in their jurisdiction.