Peptide glossary
Plain definitions of the terms that come up on peptide labels, certificates and studies.
Terms and what they mean
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peptide | A short chain of amino acids. Longer chains are usually called proteins. |
| COA | Certificate of analysis: a lab report on one batch. See how to read one. |
| HPLC | High-performance liquid chromatography. Separates a sample and gives a purity percentage. |
| Mass spectrometry (MS) | Measures molecular mass. Confirms the molecule is the one on the label. |
| Purity | The share of the peptide material that is the target peptide. Not the same as quantity. |
| Net peptide content | How much of the powder's weight is peptide, as opposed to water and salts. |
| Endotoxin | Toxic material from bacterial cell walls. Measured separately from purity. |
| Lyophilised | Freeze-dried. The powder form most peptides are sold in. |
| Bacteriostatic water | Sterile water with a preservative that slows bacterial growth after opening. |
| U-100 syringe | Insulin syringe where 100 units equal 1 mL. |
| RUO | Research use only. A label that says the product is not for human use. |
| 503A | The section of US law covering compounding pharmacies that prepare drugs for individual prescriptions. |
| RCT | Randomised controlled trial: the study design regulators rely on most. |
| In vitro | In cells or tissue outside a living body. |
| In vivo | In a living organism, animal or human. |
Research and education only. Not medical advice. Many peptides on this site are not approved by the FDA for human use. Doses shown are the ones used in published studies and are not a recommendation. Talk to a licensed clinician before using any of them. Read the full disclaimer.