Talk to a builder →
Testing + certificates

What does mass spectrometry confirm?

⚡ Short answer

Mass spectrometry confirms identity. It measures the mass of the molecules in a sample, so a genuine report shows a mass matching the compound named on the label. It does not measure purity on its own.

Educational onlyUpdated 21 Oct 20261 source
Testing + certificates

Weighing molecules

A mass spectrometer gives molecules an electric charge, then measures how they move in electric or magnetic fields. The result is the mass-to-charge ratio, written m/z.

Peptides are usually ionised by electrospray (ESI) or MALDI. Larger peptides often pick up more than one charge, so a single compound can show several peaks.

Testing + certificates

Reading the result

Compare the measured mass with the expected molecular weight. For BPC-157 (1,419.5 g/mol) you might see [M+H]+ near 1,420.5 or [M+2H]2+ near 710.8. A mass far from the expected value means the vial holds something else.

Testing + certificates

Why it is paired with HPLC

Mass spectrometry answers "is this the right compound?" HPLC answers "how pure is it?" A trustworthy certificate shows both, for the same batch.

Educational information only

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.

Related questions

Testing + certificatesWhat is HPLC purity?Testing + certificates. Educational only.Read →Testing + certificatesHow do you read a peptide COA?Testing + certificates. Educational only.Read →Compound profilesWhat is TB-500?Compound profiles. Educational only.Read →Peptide basicsWhat is a peptide?Peptide basics. Educational only.Read →Compound profilesWhat is BPC-157?Compound profiles. Educational only.Read →Compound profilesWhat is GHK-Cu?Compound profiles. Educational only.Read →Testing + certificatesWhat is a certificate of analysis (COA)?Testing + certificates. Educational only.Read →Peptide basicsWhat does lyophilized mean?Peptide basics. Educational only.Read →RegulationWhat does "research use only" mean?Regulation. Educational only.Read →Peptide basicsWhat is the difference between a peptide and a protein?Peptide basics. Educational only.Read →Peptide basicsWhat is a "research peptide"?Peptide basics. Educational only.Read →Compound profilesWhat is Semax?Compound profiles. Educational only.Read →Compound profilesWhat is SS-31?Compound profiles. Educational only.Read →Testing + certificatesWhat is third-party testing?Testing + certificates. Educational only.Read →Testing + certificatesIs HPLC purity the same as net peptide content?Testing + certificates. Educational only.Read →Testing + certificatesWhat is endotoxin testing?Testing + certificates. Educational only.Read →Lab handling + storageHow are lyophilized peptides stored?Lab handling + storage. Educational only.Read →RegulationHow are peptides regulated in the UK?Regulation. Educational only.Read →Choosing a supplierWhat are the red flags in a supplier?Choosing a supplier. Educational only.Read →

Watch HPLC, mass spec and COAs