Independent Material Verification
RJ Research Supply sells research materials. We do not represent that our own documentation can conclusively prove the identity, purity, concentration, sterility, stability, composition or suitability of any material. Customers conducting legitimate research are responsible for determining what independent analytical testing is appropriate for their intended research.
Why analysis of the received sample matters
Supplier documents and product labels should not be treated as conclusive proof of a material's identity, purity or composition. Independent analysis of the sample received is the most direct way for a qualified purchaser to evaluate that particular sample, subject to the capabilities and limitations of the analytical methods used.
Qualified research purchasers may arrange independent analysis of the sample they receive through an appropriately qualified independent analytical laboratory. No analytical method provides absolute certainty; each has a defined scope and defined limitations.
Analytical categories
These categories are described at a high level so a qualified purchaser can discuss scope with a laboratory. This page is not a testing protocol, and nothing here instructs anyone to perform analytical or hazardous work themselves.
- Identity analysis
- Addresses whether the substance present in the tested sample corresponds to the named molecule, within the resolving power of the method used.
- Purity assessment
- Addresses the relative proportion of the target substance versus other detectable components, limited to what the chosen method can detect.
- Concentration or assay testing
- Addresses how much of a substance is present in the tested sample, which is a separate question from identity.
- Mass confirmation
- Addresses whether a measured molecular mass is consistent with an expected mass for the named molecule.
- Contaminant screening
- Addresses whether specific classes of unwanted substances are detectable, limited to the contaminants the method targets.
- Microbial testing
- Addresses whether viable organisms of the types the method targets can be recovered from the tested sample.
- Endotoxin testing
- Addresses detectable bacterial endotoxin in the tested sample, which is distinct from microbial or sterility questions.
- Sterility testing
- Addresses whether the tested sample yields microbial growth under the defined conditions of the method.
- Stability testing
- Addresses how measured characteristics of a sample change over time under defined storage conditions.
What a result does and does not establish
- Different methods answer different questions.
- One method may not establish every material characteristic.
- A result applies to the sample tested.
- Sampling practices affect how representative a result is.
- Identity testing does not automatically establish purity.
- Purity testing does not automatically establish concentration.
- Chemical analysis does not automatically establish sterility.
- A label or supplier document is not a substitute for analysis of the received sample.
- Independent testing does not make a material suitable for human or veterinary use.
Customers should use appropriately qualified independent analytical laboratories, and are responsible for selecting suitable methods and interpreting results within their limitations.
Storing your own results
Private storage of customer-arranged analytical results, attached to your own order and sample, is planned. Any such upload will remain private to the customer by default, will not be published without separate written permission and review, will never be described as a RJ Research Supply certification, and will not be used to make sitewide product claims or represented as applying to other lots or customers.
Notice
RJ Research Supply does not provide medical advice, testing advice or a guarantee of material identity, purity, concentration, sterility, stability or fitness for a particular purpose. Qualified purchasers are responsible for determining and arranging any independent analytical evaluation required for their research.