The Truth in the Lab: Why Third-Party Testing Matters

Unfortunately, our industry often eschews quality in favour of quick profit. Regulation isn’t exactly the most robust, which means that shady operators can get away with a lot. It’s a grossly unfair situation for consumers, who often don’t know which brand and product to trust.

However, there are a few surefire ways to determine whether a seller is on the level, and third-party lab reports are among the most relevant. In third-party lab testing, an independent laboratory examines products to verify their safety, quality, and contents.

While some brands try to get away with in-house testing, it isn’t good enough. You want third-party testing because it guarantees an unbiased assessment since these companies don’t have a financial interest in the company having its products tested (at least this is the case ideally).

A certificate of analysis (COA) results from this testing, and the document details the lab’s findings. In this article, I run the rule over third-party lab testing, outlining what it is, what it looks for, what the process looks like, and much more.

What Is Third-Party Lab Testing?

It is a scientific process that analyses a product to determine its composition, quality, and safety. Depending on the substance being tested, it is using advanced techniques like High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) or Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).

Lab testing confirms the levels of active ingredients in the product. For example, in hemp oil, it confirms how much CBD and THC are inside. High-quality tests also identify whether there are contaminants like heavy metals and ensure that every product batch is uniform in quality and matches its label claims.

This testing ensures only high-quality products that meet regulatory standards are introduced to the marketplace. It’s also essential in keeping you, the consumer, healthy!

What Should a Third-Party Lab Test Look For?

Lab reports will check for different things depending on the product in question. For instance, when it comes to hemp extracts, they test for the following:

• Cannabinoids: Third-party lab testing on hemp extracts looks for the quantity of CBD, THC, CBG, CBN, and more. Such products must be below the maximum allowed level of THC, which varies by country. A lab report also confirms whether a product is full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or an isolate.
• Terpenes: Terpenes contribute to a product’s flavour, scent, and potential tests will confirm whether there is myrcene, linalool, limonene, and other well-known terpenes.
• Contaminants: A third-party lab report will detect residues from pesticides used during cultivation. It also identifies the presence of dangerous metals like lead and cadmium.
• Residual Solvents: You need this test to ensure that harmful solvents such as butane aren’t left over from the extraction process.
• Microbials and Mycotoxins: The report checks for bacteria, yeast, and other pathogens. It also identifies toxins produced by certain fungi that can be harmful even in small amounts.

A third-party lab test covers these aspects and ensures that hemp extracts are safe, free from contaminants, and contain the compounds claimed on the label.

What Does the Third-Party Testing Process Look Like?

The third-party lab testing process is methodical and involves several key steps. It begins with the manufacturer choosing a sample from a specific product batch and sending it to the lab.

The laboratory prepares the sample for analysis. This process may involve separating certain components or dissolving the sample in a solvent. Next, they use HPLC or GC-MS testing to measure cannabinoid and terpene levels while also screening for contaminants using other testing methods, such as culture-based assays.

At this point, the lab processes the raw data to produce accurate and reliable results. It typically conducts numerous tests to improve the accuracy of results. Next, the lab puts the results into a COA that provides more easily digestible information about the product’s composition and safety.

The COA should include information such as the lab’s name and accreditation, the testing methods used, the testing date, and the batch number. Finally, the lab sends the COA to the seller, who should proudly display it on their website. Some sites only share the data via QR code on the product’s packaging.

Why Is Third-Party Lab Testing So Important?

Third-party lab testing plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of products. From a seller’s perspective, a transparent COA validates its claims, increasing trust between the brand and its customers. It also helps companies meet local and international laws governing the specific product(s). Furthermore, testing products thoroughly encourages sellers to maintain sky-high standards across their entire product range.

The benefits for consumers are obvious. First, COAs give you insight into what you’re purchasing. They also provide you with peace of mind, as the documentation outlines the volume of active compounds in the product and proves the absence of harmful levels of contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, or toxins.

In addition, testing identifies substances that could cause allergic reaction sensitivities, so you’re less likely to have an unpleasant, unforeseen adverse reaction.

Risks of Untested Supplements

The risks of buying untested products should be equally apparent. For instance, if you buy hemp extract without any COA, there’s no way of knowing whether it contains harmful contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, or residual solvents that can lead to serious health issues. For instance, microbial contamination could cause infections, especially if you have a weakened immune system.

In addition, without testing, there’s no guarantee that the product contains the advertised level of active ingredients. For instance, a hemp extract could contain a high enough volume of THC to cause intoxication. This could lead to legal complications or dangerous situations (imagine driving a car only to find that your vision is impaired).

Also, untested products could contain allergens or irritants not listed on the label, posing risks to sensitive individuals.

How Can You Tell if a Third-Party Lab Report Is Authentic?

There are a few ways to do this, and it shouldn’t take up much of your time. First and foremost, look for information about the lab’s accreditation, such as ISO certification, as this ensures adherence to international testing standards. Most reputable labs display their certifications prominently, so visit their official websites. While you’re there, check out the lab’s reviews, as scammers may fabricate COAs using fake lab names.

Also, the details on the COA, such as product name, batch number, and testing date, must match the product you purchased. Furthermore, a genuine COA offers detailed information, such as cannabinoid profiles, terpene content, and contaminant screening. Without question, vague or incomplete reports are a red flag.

Another essential consideration is whether the product manufacturer owns or operates the lab. Independent labs eliminate conflicts of interest, while in-house testing isn’t inherently trustworthy.

Finally, many reputable brands include QR codes on their packaging that link directly to the COA for the specific batch. This technology makes it easier for consumers to verify the authenticity of the lab report.

Third-Party Lab Reports Are Your Gateway to Safer, Smarter Product Choices

Third-party lab testing isn’t just a regulatory step; it’s key to ensuring product safety, efficacy, and transparency. Whether you’re purchasing hemp extracts, shilajit, or kava, always look for a COA to confirm the product’s quality and safety.

By choosing tested products, you can protect your health, avoid inferior supplements, and support reputable brands committed to high standards. At Premium Jane, we always give you access to Certificates of Analysis so you can see what’s inside our products.