HPC Lab Reports: How to Read a Certificate of Analysis

Table of Contents:

·         What Is an HPC Lab Report and What Does It Cover?

·         How to Match the Sample, Product and Batch Number

·         Reading Cannabinoid Results, Concentrations and Units

·         Detection Limits, Quantification Limits and “Not Detected”

·         Contaminant Testing: Checking What Was and Was Not Analyzed

·         An Actual HPC COA Explained: Findings and Their Limits

·         Frequently Asked Questions About HPC Lab Reports

 

 

 

 

Understanding an HPC lab report is essential for evaluating product composition, cannabinoid concentrations, and laboratory testing results. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) provides valuable information about a tested sample, helping consumers, retailers, and suppliers understand what has been analyzed and what the findings actually mean.

This comprehensive article explains how to read an HPC Certificate of Analysis, from identifying product details and matching batch numbers to interpreting cannabinoid percentages, measurement units, and laboratory detection limits. You'll also learn the difference between "not detected" and "not quantified," how to review contaminant testing, and why laboratory results should never be interpreted beyond the evidence they provide.

Because HPC may be used as a commercial name for different formulations, identifying the actual ingredients is an important first step. An HPC lab report should be assessed against the documented product formulation rather than assumptions based on its name.

Whether you're reviewing an HPC product label, checking laboratory results, or comparing supplier documentation, this guide will help you understand the seven essential areas of COA interpretation:

1. What Is an HPC Lab Report and What Does It Cover? – Understand the purpose, scope, and limitations of laboratory testing.
2. How to Match the Sample, Product and Batch Number – Learn how to verify that a COA corresponds to the product being reviewed.
3. Reading Cannabinoid Results, Concentrations and Units – Understand percentages, milligrams per gram, and other laboratory measurements.
4. Detection Limits, Quantification Limits and “Not Detected” – Discover how laboratories report substances at very low concentrations.
5. Contaminant Testing: Checking What Was and Was Not Analyzed – Explore testing for pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbial contaminants where included.
6. An Actual HPC COA Explained: Findings and Their Limits – Learn how to evaluate a real laboratory report and distinguish verified findings from unsupported conclusions.
7. Frequently Asked Questions About HPC Lab Reports – Find clear answers to common questions about COA accuracy, batch verification, testing methods, and laboratory results.

1) What Is an HPC Lab Report and What Does It Cover?

An HPC lab report is a laboratory document that records analytical findings for a submitted product or sample. It may include information about cannabinoid content, chemical composition, testing methods, and selected contaminants.

The exact contents depend on the laboratory, the requested tests, and the product formulation.

A typical HPC Certificate of Analysis may contain:

• Product or sample identification details
• Batch or lot number
• Laboratory name and report reference
• Sample collection and testing dates
• Identified cannabinoids and measured concentrations
• Analytical methods and measurement units
• Detection and quantification limits
• Contaminant testing results, where requested

These details help establish what was examined and which findings the laboratory can support.

Importantly, an HPC lab report only provides evidence about the specific sample and tests described in the document.

Why Is an HPC Certificate of Analysis Important?

An HPC Certificate of Analysis provides measurable information that can help readers assess whether a product's documented composition matches its label or supplier specifications.

For example, a product may advertise a particular cannabinoid concentration. Laboratory testing can help determine whether the submitted sample contains the reported amount, provided the laboratory uses a suitable analytical method.

An HPC lab report may also identify additional cannabinoids or substances included in the testing panel.

However, laboratory results should not automatically be interpreted as proof of product safety, effectiveness, or legal compliance.

A COA is primarily an analytical record rather than a comprehensive product approval.

What Does Cannabinoid Testing Cover?

Cannabinoid analysis is one of the most common sections of an HPC lab report.

Depending on the laboratory's testing capabilities, results may include concentrations of CBD, THC, or other identified cannabinoids.

Concentrations may be expressed using different measurement units, including:

• Percentage (%): The proportion of a measured substance within the sample.
• Milligrams per gram (mg/g): The amount of a substance in one gram of material.
• Milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL): A concentration measurement sometimes used for liquids.

Understanding these units helps readers interpret laboratory findings accurately.

However, a laboratory cannot necessarily identify every ingredient simply by performing a standard cannabinoid screening panel.

Does an HPC Lab Report Include Contaminant Testing?

Some HPC lab reports include additional testing for unwanted substances.

Depending on the product and requested analytical panel, laboratories may examine:

• Heavy metals
• Pesticide residues
• Residual solvents
• Microbial contamination
• Mycotoxins

Not every Certificate of Analysis includes these tests.

Therefore, readers should check the report's scope rather than assuming that an unlisted contaminant has been assessed.

A result marked "not detected" applies only to the relevant substance, method, and detection limit.

What Are the Limitations of an HPC Lab Report?

Although an HPC lab report provides useful analytical information, several limitations must be considered.

First, laboratory findings describe the submitted sample, which may not represent every product manufactured or sold under the same name.

Second, testing methods have specific detection capabilities and analytical limitations.

Third, cannabinoid concentrations cannot independently establish human effects, potency, or a safe consumption amount.

Finally, a COA does not replace an appropriate regulatory assessment of the product's ingredients and intended market.

How to Evaluate an HPC Lab Report

When reviewing an HPC Certificate of Analysis, begin by checking the laboratory identity, sample description, batch number, and testing date.

Next, examine the analytical methods, measured substances, concentrations, and units.

Check whether contaminant testing was performed and whether the laboratory provides sufficient information to interpret the findings.

2) How to Match the Sample, Product and Batch Number

A laboratory report may contain detailed cannabinoid concentrations, analytical methods, and contaminant results. However, if the tested sample cannot be linked to the product being reviewed, those findings may not reliably describe that product.

Why Sample Identification Matters in an HPC Lab Report

Every HPC Certificate of Analysis should identify the sample submitted for laboratory testing.

Sample identification allows laboratories, manufacturers, and retailers to connect analytical findings to a particular material or product.

An HPC lab report may include several identifying details:

• Laboratory sample identification number
• Product or formulation name
• Manufacturer or supplier information
• Batch or lot number
• Sample description and product format
• Sample receipt and analysis dates
• Report identification number

These details establish the scope of the laboratory findings.

However, a laboratory sample number is not necessarily the same as the manufacturer's batch number. Understanding this distinction helps prevent incorrect comparisons.

How to Match the Product Name with the Laboratory Report

The first step is comparing the product name on the packaging with the description recorded in the HPC lab report.

For example, a product labelled HPC may have a corresponding Certificate of Analysis identifying its specific formulation.

Because HPC is not necessarily a universally defined chemical name, the product description should be supported by ingredient documentation.

Check whether the report identifies the same product format, formulation, and supplier information.

Differences between product descriptions do not automatically indicate inaccurate testing, but they may require clarification from the manufacturer or laboratory.

A report for one formulation should not automatically be applied to another product simply because both use the HPC name.

Understanding Batch and Lot Numbers

A batch number is an identification code assigned to a particular production batch.

Manufacturers use batch or lot numbers to organize production records, identify materials, and support product traceability.

When reviewing an HPC lab report, compare the batch number on the product packaging with the number recorded in the Certificate of Analysis.

Ideally, these identifiers should match exactly or be connected through documented traceability records.

For example:

Product packaging: HPC-2026-015

HPC lab report: HPC-2026-015

This matching information supports a connection between the product and the tested batch, although it does not independently prove that the submitted sample was representative.

If the numbers differ, request clarification before relying on the laboratory findings.

Checking Sample Collection and Testing Dates

Dates provide additional context when evaluating an HPC Certificate of Analysis.

An HPC lab report may identify when the sample was collected, received, analyzed, and reported.

These dates help establish the testing timeline.

For example, a laboratory report issued before a particular batch was manufactured would require further explanation if presented as evidence for that batch.

Older reports may also describe earlier formulations or production batches.

Therefore, readers should consider dates alongside product identifiers rather than treating a recent report date as sufficient evidence of relevance.

Why One HPC Lab Report May Not Cover Every Product

Manufacturers may produce multiple batches using similar ingredients or formulations.

However, differences in raw materials, manufacturing conditions, or storage can affect measurable characteristics.

An HPC lab report generally describes the submitted sample rather than every batch produced under the same product name.

A Certificate of Analysis for one batch should not automatically be treated as evidence for another.

Similarly, testing a bulk ingredient does not necessarily establish the composition of a finished product containing additional ingredients.

Understanding these distinctions is essential for accurate laboratory interpretation.

What to Do When Product and Batch Details Do Not Match

If the HPC lab report contains inconsistent or missing identifiers, request supporting documentation.

Useful records may include supplier specifications, manufacturing batch records, sample submission forms, and laboratory verification details.

Contacting the issuing laboratory may help confirm whether the report is authentic, although the laboratory may not be able to verify the identity of a retail product.

Avoid assuming that similar product names or matching cannabinoid percentages establish a reliable connection.

3) Reading Cannabinoid Results, Concentrations and Units

Cannabinoid results identify substances included in a laboratory's analytical testing panel and report their measured concentrations.

Depending on the sample and testing method, an HPC Certificate of Analysis may include cannabinoids such as:

• CBD (Cannabidiol): A recognized cannabinoid found in cannabis plants.
• THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): A cannabinoid associated with intoxicating effects.
• CBG (Cannabigerol): Another naturally occurring cannabinoid.
• CBN (Cannabinol): A cannabinoid that may be included in laboratory screening.
• Other identified cannabinoids: Additional compounds supported by the laboratory's analytical methods.

However, HPC is not necessarily a standardized chemical designation. Therefore, the actual ingredients must be identified before interpreting the results.

A standard cannabinoid testing panel may not detect every substance included in a particular HPC formulation.

Understanding Cannabinoid Percentages

One of the most common measurements in an HPC lab report is cannabinoid concentration expressed as a percentage.

A percentage generally represents the proportion of a measured substance within the tested sample.

For example, if a laboratory reports 20% CBD by mass, this corresponds to approximately 200 milligrams of CBD per gram of material.

The calculation is:

20% × 1,000 mg = 200 mg/g

Similarly, a reported concentration of 5% corresponds to 50 mg/g.

These conversions are useful when comparing results reported using different units.

However, the calculation assumes that the percentage represents a mass-based concentration. Readers should always confirm the laboratory's reporting conventions.

Milligrams per Gram: What Does mg/g Mean?

Milligrams per gram (mg/g) is another common measurement used in an HPC Certificate of Analysis.

It describes the mass of a particular substance contained in one gram of tested material.

For example:

• 10 mg/g equals 1% by mass.
• 50 mg/g equals 5% by mass.
• 100 mg/g equals 10% by mass.
• 250 mg/g equals 25% by mass.

These conversions help readers understand cannabinoid concentrations without confusing percentages and absolute quantities.

However, concentration does not automatically establish how much of a substance is present in an entire product package.

That calculation also requires the total mass of the product.

Understanding Milligrams per Milliliter

Liquid formulations may report cannabinoid concentrations in milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL).

This measurement describes the mass of a substance within a specified volume of liquid.

For example, a liquid containing 20 mg/mL has 20 milligrams of the measured substance in each milliliter.

A 10 mL container at that concentration would contain a calculated total of 200 milligrams, assuming the liquid is homogeneous and the stated volume is accurate.

Unlike mg/g, mg/mL is volume-based.

Converting between these measurements requires additional information, including the liquid's density.

Why Different Units Can Cause Confusion

An HPC lab report may use several measurement systems depending on the laboratory and product format.

Comparing results without checking their units can lead to incorrect conclusions.

For example, 100 mg/g and 100 mg/mL are not necessarily equivalent because they describe different quantities.

Similarly, a cannabinoid percentage cannot be interpreted accurately without understanding whether it refers to mass, volume, or another reporting basis.

Readers should also check whether results describe individual cannabinoids, combined totals, or calculated values.

What Do Laboratory Results Actually Confirm?

An HPC Certificate of Analysis can provide evidence of measured concentrations for substances included in the testing method.

However, laboratory results do not automatically establish product potency, expected human effects, or safety.

A higher cannabinoid concentration does not necessarily indicate better product quality.

Additionally, substances absent from the testing panel may remain unidentified.

Understanding these limitations helps readers avoid unsupported conclusions.

4) Detection Limits, Quantification Limits and “Not Detected”

A result marked “Not Detected” does not necessarily mean that a substance is completely absent. Every analytical method has limitations, and understanding these boundaries helps readers interpret cannabinoid concentrations and contaminant testing accurately.

What Is the Limit of Detection (LOD)?

The Limit of Detection, commonly abbreviated as LOD, describes the lowest concentration of a substance that an analytical method can reliably distinguish from background measurement noise under specified conditions.

In an HPC lab report, the LOD may apply to individual cannabinoids, residual solvents, pesticides, or other tested substances.

For example, imagine a laboratory method with a detection limit of 0.01% for a particular cannabinoid.

If the substance is present below that threshold, the laboratory may be unable to detect it reliably.

Important points include:

• Detection limits depend on the analytical method.
• Different substances may have different LOD values.
• Sample preparation can influence detection capability.
• A substance below the LOD may still be present.

Therefore, detection limits should always be considered when interpreting laboratory findings.

What Is the Limit of Quantification (LOQ)?

The Limit of Quantification, or LOQ, represents the lowest concentration that a laboratory method can measure with acceptable accuracy and precision under defined conditions.

The LOQ is generally higher than the LOD.

For example, a laboratory might report:

• LOD: 0.01%
• LOQ: 0.05%

A substance detected at 0.03% may be identifiable, but its concentration might not be sufficiently reliable for precise quantification.

In this situation, the laboratory may report the result as detected below the quantification limit.

Understanding this distinction helps readers avoid treating every detected signal as an accurately measured concentration.

What Does “Not Detected” Mean?

“Not Detected,” often abbreviated as ND, is a common expression in an HPC Certificate of Analysis.

It generally indicates that the laboratory did not detect the specified substance according to its analytical method and reporting criteria.

However, ND does not automatically mean zero concentration.

For example, if a method has an LOD of 0.01%, a result marked ND cannot establish that the substance is entirely absent.

It only indicates that the substance was not detected within the method's stated capabilities.

Readers should therefore check the laboratory's reporting definitions before interpreting ND results.

Understanding “Below LOQ” and Other Reporting Terms

An HPC lab report may contain several abbreviations describing analytical findings.

Common examples include:

• ND: Not detected under the applicable reporting criteria.
• LOD: Limit of Detection.
• LOQ: Limit of Quantification.
• BLQ: Below the Limit of Quantification.
• NQ: Not quantified, depending on laboratory terminology.

These terms are not always applied identically across laboratories.

For accurate interpretation, consult the report's explanatory notes and analytical methodology.

Why Detection Limits Matter for Cannabinoid Testing

Detection limits are particularly important when examining cannabinoids reported at low concentrations.

For example, an HPC lab report may include THC testing results.

If THC is marked ND, the finding must be interpreted alongside the method's detection threshold.

The report does not necessarily demonstrate complete THC absence.

Similarly, a low reported concentration cannot independently establish whether a product meets applicable legal requirements.

Regulatory interpretation depends on the relevant jurisdiction, product composition, analytical evidence, and legal framework.

5) Contaminant Testing: Checking What Was and Was Not Analyzed

Contaminant testing is an important part of understanding an HPC lab report or Certificate of Analysis (COA). While cannabinoid testing focuses on identifying compounds and measuring their concentrations, contaminant testing examines whether selected unwanted substances are present in a submitted sample.

However, not every HPC Certificate of Analysis includes comprehensive contaminant testing. Some reports contain only cannabinoid results, while others include additional analytical panels for pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, or microbial contamination.

Understanding what was tested, what was excluded, and how results were reported helps readers evaluate laboratory findings without making unsupported assumptions about product safety.

What Is Contaminant Testing in an HPC Lab Report?

Contaminant testing involves laboratory analysis designed to identify or measure specific unwanted substances in a sample.

An HPC lab report may include several testing categories depending on the formulation, manufacturing process, and requested laboratory services.

Common contaminant testing categories include:

• Pesticides: Selected agricultural chemical residues.
• Heavy metals: Elements such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury.
• Residual solvents: Solvents potentially remaining after extraction or processing.
• Microbial contaminants: Selected bacteria, yeasts, and moulds.
• Mycotoxins: Certain toxic compounds produced by fungi.

The presence of these categories in an HPC Certificate of Analysis does not necessarily mean every possible contaminant was examined.

Each testing panel has a defined scope.

Understanding Pesticide Testing Results

Pesticide testing examines whether selected pesticide residues are detectable or measurable within the submitted sample.

An HPC lab report may list individual pesticides alongside their reported concentrations and analytical limits.

For example, a laboratory might analyze a panel containing several dozen pesticide compounds.

If the report states that none were detected, the finding applies only to the substances included in that panel and the laboratory's detection capabilities.

It does not establish that every possible pesticide is absent.

Readers should examine the complete pesticide list, analytical method, and reporting limits before interpreting the findings.

Heavy Metal Testing: What Does It Cover?

Heavy metal analysis is another potential component of an HPC Certificate of Analysis.

Laboratories may test for elements including:

• Lead (Pb)
• Cadmium (Cd)
• Arsenic (As)
• Mercury (Hg)

Results may be expressed in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) or parts per million (ppm).

For solid materials, 1 mg/kg is equivalent to 1 ppm by mass.

However, interpretation requires more than reviewing the reported concentration.

Readers must also understand the applicable assessment criteria, measurement uncertainty, and whether the laboratory tested the relevant sample.

A low measured concentration does not automatically establish overall product safety.

Residual Solvent Testing in HPC Products

Residual solvent testing may be relevant when manufacturing involves extraction, purification, or other solvent-based processes.

An HPC lab report may include results for selected solvents, depending on the production method and laboratory testing panel.

Examples include ethanol, butane, propane, and other processing solvents.

Laboratories may report concentrations in parts per million or other appropriate units.

However, the absence of a residual solvent section does not establish that solvents were never used.

It simply means the report does not provide those particular results.

Microbial Testing and Mycotoxin Analysis

Some HPC Certificates of Analysis include microbial testing to assess selected microorganisms.

Depending on the testing scope, laboratories may examine total microbial counts, yeast and mould levels, or particular bacterial species.

Mycotoxin testing is a separate analytical category that may assess substances such as aflatoxins.

These tests are not interchangeable.

For example, a microbial result cannot automatically establish that mycotoxins are absent.

Readers should verify which organisms or substances were included and understand the limitations of the methods used.

How to Identify Missing Contaminant Tests

One of the most important steps when reviewing an HPC lab report is checking what was not analyzed.

Start by examining the report's testing sections and analytical scope.

Look for:

• Missing contaminant categories
• Substances excluded from testing panels
• Unreported detection or quantification limits
• Incomplete sample identification
• Results from different batches
• Unclear laboratory methods

If a relevant testing category is missing, request additional documentation rather than assuming the product passed that assessment.

6) An Actual HPC COA Explained: Findings and Their Limits

An HPC Certificate of Analysis records laboratory results for a submitted sample. Its contents depend on the product formulation, testing laboratory, and analytical services requested.

A typical HPC lab report may include:

• Product name and sample identification
• Manufacturer or supplier information
• Batch or lot number
• Laboratory identification and report number
• Sample receipt and analysis dates
• Cannabinoid concentrations
• Analytical methods and measurement units
• Detection and quantification limits
• Contaminant testing results, where included

These details help readers establish what was tested and whether the findings relate to the product being evaluated.

Because HPC is not necessarily a universally standardized chemical designation, identifying the documented ingredients is particularly important.

Step 1: Verify the Product and Batch Information

Before interpreting laboratory results, confirm that the HPC lab report corresponds to the correct product.

Compare the product name, formulation description, and batch number with the packaging or supplier documentation.

For example, a product labelled HPC Batch 026 should have supporting documentation that connects the tested sample to that batch.

If the batch numbers differ, additional traceability records may be necessary.

Matching identifiers support the relevance of the report but do not independently establish that the submitted sample represents every unit manufactured.

Step 2: Understand the Cannabinoid Results

Cannabinoid testing may identify substances such as CBD, THC, CBG, or other compounds included in the laboratory's analytical panel.

Results may be reported as:

• Percentage (%)
• Milligrams per gram (mg/g)
• Milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL)
• Parts per million (ppm)

For example, a hypothetical result of 15% CBD by mass corresponds to approximately 150 mg/g.

However, these measurements describe concentration rather than expected human effects.

A higher concentration does not automatically establish greater potency, better quality, or improved safety.

Additionally, a standard cannabinoid panel may not identify every ingredient in an HPC formulation.

Step 3: Interpret Detection and Quantification Limits

An HPC lab report may include technical terms such as Limit of Detection (LOD), Limit of Quantification (LOQ), and Not Detected (ND).

These terms explain the analytical method's measurement capabilities.

For example, if a substance is marked ND, the laboratory did not detect it according to the applicable reporting criteria.

However, ND does not necessarily mean that the substance is completely absent.

Similarly, a result below the quantification limit may indicate that a substance was detected but could not be measured with sufficient accuracy and precision.

Understanding these distinctions prevents incorrect conclusions.

Step 4: Review Contaminant Testing Results

Some HPC Certificates of Analysis include contaminant testing for pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, microbial contamination, or mycotoxins.

Each analytical panel covers specific substances.

For example, a report may contain heavy metal results but no pesticide analysis.

In this situation, the report cannot establish whether pesticide residues were present or absent.

Readers should examine the testing scope, reported concentrations, and relevant analytical limits.

A result marked as passing a particular laboratory criterion does not independently establish overall product safety.

Step 5: Identify What the HPC Lab Report Cannot Prove

An HPC Certificate of Analysis provides evidence about specified measurements, but several important limitations remain.

A laboratory report cannot automatically establish:

• That every possible ingredient was identified
• That all potential contaminants were tested
• That every production batch has identical composition
• That the product produces particular human effects
• That the formulation is safe for consumption
• That the product complies with UK or European regulations

These questions may require additional analytical, toxicological, manufacturing, or legal evidence.

Laboratory findings should therefore be interpreted within their documented scope.

7) Frequently Asked Questions About HPC Lab Reports

Below are seven frequently asked questions about HPC lab reports, covering laboratory accuracy, cannabinoid testing, batch verification, contaminants, and product documentation.

1. What Is an HPC Lab Report?

An HPC lab report is a laboratory document that records analytical findings for a specific sample or product. It is commonly referred to as a Certificate of Analysis (COA).

Depending on the testing performed, the report may include cannabinoid concentrations, sample identification, batch numbers, analytical methods, and contaminant results.

An HPC Certificate of Analysis typically contains information such as:

• Laboratory name and report identification
• Product description and sample number
• Batch or lot number
• Testing and reporting dates
• Measured cannabinoid concentrations
• Detection and quantification limits
• Additional contaminant results, where included

Because HPC may refer to different commercial formulations, the actual ingredients should be verified through appropriate documentation.

A COA describes the submitted sample and does not automatically establish the composition of every product sold under the same name.

2. How Can I Check Whether an HPC Certificate of Analysis Is Genuine?

To assess the authenticity of an HPC lab report, begin by examining the laboratory name, report number, testing dates, and sample identification details.

Compare these details with the product packaging and supplier documentation.

Some laboratories provide online verification systems or QR codes that allow readers to confirm report information.

You can also contact the issuing laboratory directly to ask whether the report was issued by them.

However, an authentic report does not necessarily prove that the retail product corresponds to the tested sample.

Product traceability and matching batch records remain important.

3. What Do Cannabinoid Percentages Mean in an HPC Lab Report?

Cannabinoid percentages describe the measured proportion of a particular cannabinoid within the tested sample.

For example, a result of 10% CBD by mass corresponds to approximately 100 milligrams of CBD per gram of material.

Laboratories may also report concentrations using milligrams per gram (mg/g), milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL), or other units.

Understanding these measurements helps readers interpret product composition accurately.

However, cannabinoid concentration does not independently establish product strength in terms of human effects, safety, or effectiveness.

The analytical method and actual ingredients must also be considered.

4. What Does “Not Detected” Mean on an HPC Certificate of Analysis?

“Not Detected,” commonly abbreviated as ND, means that the laboratory did not detect a specified substance according to its analytical method and reporting criteria.

However, ND does not necessarily mean that the substance is completely absent.

Every laboratory method has detection limits.

For example, if a substance is present below the method's Limit of Detection (LOD), the laboratory may be unable to identify it reliably.

Readers should also understand the Limit of Quantification (LOQ), which describes the lowest concentration that can be measured with acceptable accuracy and precision.

These distinctions are particularly important when interpreting low cannabinoid concentrations or contaminant results.

5. Does an HPC Lab Report Test for All Contaminants?

Not necessarily. An HPC Certificate of Analysis only covers the substances included in the requested laboratory testing panels.

Depending on the report, contaminant testing may include:

• Pesticide residues
• Heavy metals
• Residual solvents
• Microbial contamination
• Mycotoxins

Some HPC lab reports contain cannabinoid results without additional contaminant analysis.

Therefore, readers should examine the complete testing scope before drawing conclusions.

A report showing no detected pesticides cannot establish that every possible pesticide was analyzed.

Similarly, passing a particular contaminant test does not automatically establish overall product safety.

6. Can One HPC Lab Report Be Used for Different Batches?

An HPC lab report generally applies to the specific sample and batch identified in the document.

Manufacturers may produce multiple batches using similar formulations, but differences in raw materials, manufacturing processes, or storage conditions can affect composition.

Therefore, a Certificate of Analysis for one batch should not automatically be treated as evidence for another.

When evaluating a product, compare its batch or lot number with the information recorded in the laboratory report.

If the identifiers do not match, request additional traceability documentation.

Batch-specific testing provides more directly relevant analytical evidence, although representative sampling must still be considered.

7. Does an HPC Certificate of Analysis Prove That a Product Is Safe and Legal?

No. An HPC lab report provides analytical findings about the tested substances, but it does not independently establish overall product safety or legal compliance.

A Certificate of Analysis may confirm measured concentrations or selected contaminant results within the laboratory's testing capabilities.

However, evaluating safety may require additional information about ingredient identity, toxicological evidence, formulation, exposure, and intended use.

Legal status also depends on the actual ingredients, product characteristics, and applicable regulations.

In the UK and Europe, regulatory requirements may differ according to jurisdiction and product classification.