✦ Bonus Resource Bundle

The Source Code Toolkit

Four practical resources to put what you've learned into action. Use them while you research, before you buy, and when building your protocols.

Vendor Evaluation Checklist

Run any peptide supplier through these 18 checks before placing an order. Check off as you go — progress saves automatically.

Aim to pass at least 14 of 18 checks. Below 12 is a red flag — consider another vendor. Check items off as you verify each one.

Identity & Transparency

Business address and contact information are clearly listed on the website
The company has been operating for 2+ years with a verifiable track record
Owner or team is identifiable (name, background) — not fully anonymous
No BBB complaints or documented scam reports in recent forums (Reddit, etc.)

Testing & Certificates of Analysis

Every product has a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (CoA) — not a single generic document
CoA is from an independent third-party lab, not an in-house report
Lab name on CoA is verifiable — you can find the lab online and confirm it exists
Purity stated as ≥98% and confirmed by HPLC or mass spectrometry
CoA shows identity confirmation (sequence confirmed, not just purity claim)
Batch numbers on product and CoA match

Product & Handling

Products sold as research chemicals only — no medical claims or dosing advice for human use
Cold-chain shipping available or recommended for temperature-sensitive peptides
Packaging is appropriate: vials are sealed, correctly labeled with peptide name, quantity, and lot number
No claims of "pharmaceutical grade" without supporting documentation (this term has no regulatory meaning in research peptides)

Reputation & Community

Positive track record in relevant research/biohacking communities with verifiable user experiences
No recent reports of product substitution or mislabeling
Customer service responds to pre-purchase questions promptly and professionally
Return/refund policy clearly stated — vendor stands behind product quality

Checked: 0 / 18

Printable Version

CoA Reading Cheat Sheet

What every column means, what numbers to accept, and what to reject on sight.

A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is a lab document confirming identity and purity. Always request a batch-specific CoA — a generic document covering all products tells you nothing.

Key Fields & What They Mean

CoA Field	What It Tests	Accept If	Reject If
Purity (HPLC)	Percentage of the sample that is the target peptide	✓ ≥98.0%	✗ <97% or blank
Identity (MS)	Mass spectrometry confirms the molecule matches the expected molecular weight	✓ "Conforms" or MW within ±0.5 Da	✗ Not tested or different MW
Sequence Confirmation	Amino acid sequence verified (critical — purity alone doesn't confirm identity)	✓ Explicitly confirmed	! Missing — ask the vendor
Water Content (KF)	Karl Fischer titration — measures how much water is in the sample (affects actual peptide content)	✓ <8% water	✗ >12% (inflated weight)
Acetate / TFA Content	Residual salt from synthesis — high TFA can cause irritation; acetate form is preferred	✓ Acetate salt or low TFA (<0.5%)	! High TFA — acceptable but note
Appearance	Physical description (color, form)	✓ White or off-white powder	✗ Yellow, brown, or oily
Batch Number	Should match the batch number on your product vial	✓ Matches vial label exactly	✗ Missing, generic, or mismatched
Lab Letterhead	Issuing laboratory contact info	✓ Named third-party lab, verifiable online	✗ In-house report or unverifiable lab

Six Red Flags — Reject on Sight

Single CoA covers all products. Every batch should have its own document. A blanket CoA is meaningless — it proves nothing about your specific vial.

Purity below 97%. Legitimate peptide suppliers hit ≥98%. Anything under 97 suggests poor synthesis quality or degradation.

No molecular weight or mass spec data. HPLC purity alone is not enough. Mass spectrometry confirms you have the right molecule.

Unverifiable lab. Search the lab name. If you can't find a website, phone number, or other evidence they exist, the CoA may be fabricated.

No batch or lot number. Without a batch number, there's no way to link the CoA to your specific product.

In-house testing only. A vendor who tests their own products and issues their own CoA has zero accountability. You need third-party verification.

Pre-Research Safety Checklist

Answer these questions before starting any peptide protocol. Not checkboxes — these are genuine questions to sit with.

This checklist does not replace medical advice. It is a structured reflection tool to help you approach peptide research thoughtfully. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

Personal Health Baseline

I have reviewed my current medications for potential interactions with this peptide (or have consulted with a provider)
I do not have any active cancers, hormone-sensitive conditions, or autoimmune diseases that could be affected by peptide use
I am not pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant
I have a recent bloodwork baseline (ideally within 90 days) to track any changes

Research & Evidence

I have read at least one primary research paper on this peptide (PubMed preferred) — not just forum posts
I understand the mechanism of action: how this peptide produces its effects at a cellular level
I can articulate the known side effects and their approximate frequency from the research literature
I know whether there are any contraindications specific to my age, sex, or health history

Sourcing & Product

I have verified the vendor using the Vendor Evaluation Checklist (Resource 1)
I have reviewed the batch-specific CoA using the cheat sheet (Resource 2)
I understand reconstitution requirements: appropriate bacteriostatic water, storage temperature, and shelf life
I have researched proper injection technique and hygiene if subcutaneous/IM administration is involved

Protocol & Monitoring

I have a clear, written protocol with starting dose, administration timing, and cycle length
I have decided in advance what metrics I will track to evaluate response (e.g., sleep quality, body composition, blood markers)
I know under what circumstances I will stop the protocol immediately (adverse reaction criteria)

Checked: 0 / 15

Personal Protocol Planning Template

A structured template for designing, documenting, and tracking your peptide research protocols.

Fill in all fields and print (or save as PDF) before starting. Your entries save in this browser session. For long-term records, use the print button to create a physical or PDF copy.

Protocol Name / Title

Research Objective

Start Date

Planned End Date

Total Cycle Length

Peptide(s) in Protocol

Primary Peptide

Dose

Frequency

Route

Secondary Peptide (if stacking)

Dose

Frequency

Route

Sourcing & Verification

Vendor Name

Batch / Lot Number

CoA Purity

Outcomes & Tracking

Primary Metrics to Track

Baseline Notes (before starting)

Week 2 Check-in

Week 4 / Mid-Point Notes

End-of-Protocol Notes

Stop Criteria (when to end early)

Healthcare Provider Consulted?

Medical Disclaimer: These resources are for educational and research purposes only. Nothing here constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Peptides are research chemicals. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new health protocol. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.