Basic Terminology for Laboratory Purchasing

Understanding the terminology used in research supply documentation helps ensure you order the right products and interpret documentation correctly.

## Product Terms

### Lyophilized

Freeze-dried. The process removes water from the compound under vacuum while frozen, resulting in a stable powder that can be stored longer than liquid forms.

### Reconstitution

The process of adding a solvent (typically bacteriostatic water) to a lyophilized compound to create a solution for research use.

### Assay

The quantitative measurement of the amount or activity of a compound in a sample. Assay results are reported on Certificates of Analysis.

## Quality Terms

### Purity

The percentage of the target compound in the sample. Typically reported as a percentage (e.g., ≥98%).

### Certificate of Analysis (COA)

A document certifying that a product meets its specified quality standards, including test results and analytical data.

### Batch/Lot Number

A unique identifier assigned to a specific production run for traceability purposes.

## Shipping Terms

### Cold Chain

A temperature-controlled supply chain that maintains products within specified temperature ranges from manufacturing to delivery.

### Controlled Room Temperature

Typically 20-25°C (68-77°F), as defined by pharmacopeial standards.

## Compliance Terms

### Research Use Only (RUO)

A designation indicating a product is for laboratory research purposes only, not for clinical or therapeutic use.

### Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)

A quality assurance system ensuring products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards.

Understanding these terms will help you navigate product documentation, communicate effectively with suppliers, and maintain quality standards in your laboratory.