Where metals come from
Metal impurities can enter a product from raw materials, catalysts used during manufacture, equipment, packaging or water. They are not something you can see or smell, so only a test will find them.
How it is measured
The most common method is ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry). The sample is dissolved, passed through a very hot plasma that breaks it into atoms, and the metals are counted by their mass. It can detect amounts in parts per billion.
The ICH Q3D guideline
ICH Q3D is the international guideline for elemental impurities in medicines, used by regulators including the European Medicines Agency. It sets permitted daily exposure limits for each element and groups them by risk. Class 1, the most toxic, is arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead.
Research peptides are not medicines, so the guideline does not formally apply to them, but labs often use its limits as a reference point.
Reading a result
Educational information only. Nothing here is medical advice, dosing guidance or a recommendation to use any substance. Research peptides are not approved medicines and are not for human or animal consumption. Speak to a qualified professional and follow the law where you are.
