HPLC measures purity; mass spectrometry confirms identity. Together they answer the two questions that matter for any research peptide: is this the right compound, and how pure is it? Reputable suppliers run both, and report both on the Certificate of Analysis.
Educational content, for research use only. No medical or dosing claims.
HPLC — the purity method
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography pushes the dissolved sample through a column that separates compounds by how they interact with it. Each component appears as a peak; the main peak’s area as a share of the total is the purity percentage. A tall, clean, dominant peak with minimal side peaks indicates high purity.
Mass spectrometry — the identity method
Mass spec ionizes the sample and measures the mass-to-charge ratio of the fragments, yielding the molecular weight. If the measured weight matches the theoretical weight of the target peptide, identity “conforms.” This is how you know the vial actually contains what the label says.
Why both, not one
- HPLC alone could show 99% purity of the wrong molecule.
- Mass spec alone confirms identity but not how much contaminant rides along.
Only together do they establish “the correct peptide, at high purity.” That is why Certiva’s third-party COAs report both HPLC purity and mass-spec identity for every batch.
Related reading
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between HPLC and mass spectrometry for peptides?
HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) measures purity — how much of the sample is the target peptide. Mass spectrometry confirms identity — that the molecular weight matches the expected peptide. Reputable testing uses both together.
Which is more important, HPLC or mass spec?
Neither replaces the other. HPLC tells you how pure the material is; mass spec tells you it is the correct compound. A complete COA reports both.
For research use only. Not for human consumption. This article is educational and makes no medical, therapeutic, or dosing claims.