How to Review a Certificate of Analysis
The short answer
Check material identity, batch, manufacture date, specification, limits, method, result and authorisation. A certificate is useful only when it can be linked to the actual material and approved specification.
Three actions to take
- Match the batch number to the received material.
- Do not confuse result with acceptance limit.
- Check the referenced specification version.
Start with the real scope
Check material identity, batch, manufacture date, specification, limits, method, result and authorisation. A certificate is useful only when it can be linked to the actual material and approved specification.
- Match the batch number to the received material.
- Do not confuse result with acceptance limit.
Review the points that change the decision
Steps for matching batch, specification, methods and results rather than accepting a document merely titled COA. Record assumptions clearly and separate confirmed data from items that need checking against the official source or actual operation.
- Do not confuse result with acceptance limit.
- Check the referenced specification version.
Turn the review into a usable output
Finish with an owner, version, date and follow-up indicator. This keeps the file useful after delivery and allows it to change with the activity, product or system.
- Match the batch number to the received material.
- Check the referenced specification version.
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