Skip to main contentSkip to main content

Peptide Contaminant Testing

ICP-MS heavy metal screening, GC-MS residual solvent analysis, and quantitative LAL endotoxin testing

Our lab data shows 17% of peptide samples contain detectable heavy metals above USP safety limits

Last reviewed

Heavy Metal & Residual Solvent Screening

Ensure the safety and quality of your research peptides with our comprehensive contaminant testing services. We screen for heavy metals, residual solvents, and bacterial endotoxins that could compromise experimental results or pose safety risks. Available now for researchers, compounding pharmacies, and biotech companies nationwide.

Heavy Metal Screening

ICP-MS screening for lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and other heavy metals at parts-per-billion detection limits. Results in 5-7 business days.

Residual Solvent Analysis

GC-MS analysis per ICH Q3C guidelines to detect and quantify TFA, DMF, DCM, acetonitrile, and other residual solvents from peptide synthesis.

Comprehensive Contaminant Panel

Combined heavy metal + residual solvent analysis in a single submission for a complete safety profile. Ideal for regulatory submissions and quality programs.

Endotoxin Testing (LAL)

Quantitative LAL assay for bacterial endotoxin detection and quantification per USP <85>. Essential for injectable peptides and cell culture research. See endotoxin testing details →

Why Contaminant Testing Matters

Even high-purity peptides can contain trace contaminants that interfere with biological assays, cell culture experiments, or in vivo studies. Our testing helps identify:

  • • Heavy metals (Pb, Hg, As, Cd) that cause cellular toxicity and oxidative stress
  • • Bacterial endotoxins (LPS) that trigger fever, inflammation, and septic shock in injectable applications
  • • Residual synthesis solvents (TFA, DMF, acetonitrile) affecting assay results and cell viability
  • • Organic solvent residues from purification processes exceeding ICH Q3C limits

Testing Specifications

Heavy Metal Screening

  • • Method: ICP-MS analysis
  • • Analytes: Pb, Hg, As, Cd + additional metals
  • • Detection limit: ppb (parts per billion)
  • • Standards: USP <232> / <233>
  • • Turnaround: 5-7 business days
  • • Sample required: 1-5 mg

Residual Solvent Testing

  • • Method: GC-MS analysis
  • • Analytes: TFA, DMF, DCM, acetonitrile + others
  • • Detection limit: ppm (parts per million)
  • • Standards: ICH Q3C Class 1, 2, 3
  • • Turnaround: 5-7 business days
  • • Sample required: 1-5 mg

Endotoxin Testing (LAL)

  • • Method: Kinetic chromogenic LAL
  • • Instrument: Charles River Endosafe nexgen-PTS
  • • Sensitivity: 0.01 EU/mL
  • • Standards: USP <85>
  • • Turnaround: 5-7 business days
  • • Sample required: 1-5 mg

Who Needs Contaminant Testing?

Researchers & Academics

Ensure contaminants aren't confounding your experimental results, especially for cell-based assays and in vivo studies.

Compounding Pharmacies

Verify raw material safety and meet USP requirements for heavy metal and solvent limits in compounded preparations.

Peptide Suppliers

Validate manufacturing quality with independent contaminant screening to build customer trust and meet regulatory standards.

Biotech Companies

Support IND-enabling studies and regulatory submissions with ICH-compliant contaminant data from an independent lab.

Frequently Asked Questions

We screen for heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium) via ICP-MS, residual solvents (TFA, DMF, DCM, acetonitrile) via GC-MS per ICH Q3C guidelines, and bacterial endotoxins via quantitative LAL assay. Our comprehensive contaminant panel covers all three in a single submission.

Even high-purity peptides can contain trace contaminants that cause cellular toxicity, interfere with biological assays, or compromise in vivo study results. Contaminant screening ensures experimental integrity and reproducibility.

Heavy metal screening and residual solvent analysis are available as individual panels or as a combined contaminant package. Request a quote at acslabtest.com/get-quote for specific pricing based on your sample count and testing needs.

Eligible routine testing takes 5-7 business days from sample receipt. Confirm timing for combined panels.

Yes, our comprehensive contaminant panel includes heavy metal screening via ICP-MS, residual solvent analysis via GC-MS, and quantitative endotoxin testing via LAL assay in a single submission, providing a complete safety profile for your peptide samples.

Our ICP-MS heavy metal screening achieves parts-per-billion (ppb) detection limits for lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. Residual solvent analysis via GC-MS detects solvents at parts-per-million (ppm) levels per ICH Q3C Class 1, 2, and 3 limits.

Absolutely. Many clients combine contaminant screening with our HPLC purity testing and mass spectrometry identity confirmation for a complete quality profile. Bundle pricing is available, request a quote for details.

Compounding pharmacies (503A/503B), pharmaceutical manufacturers, research institutions, and peptide suppliers all benefit from contaminant screening. FDA regulations and USP standards increasingly require documented heavy metal and solvent testing for peptide products used in clinical settings.

Ship lyophilized peptide in the original sealed container to avoid introducing external contaminants. Minimum sample size is 5-10 mg for a full contaminant panel. Avoid using metal spatulas or glass that could leach metals. We provide detailed sample preparation instructions upon quote request.

USP <232> sets elemental impurity limits including 5 μg/g for lead, 0.5 μg/g for cadmium, 1.5 μg/g for inorganic arsenic, and 3 μg/g for mercury for oral products. Parenteral limits are 10x stricter. Our ICP-MS testing reports results against all applicable USP thresholds.

Get Your Peptides Screened for Contaminants

ICP-MS heavy metal screening and GC-MS residual solvent analysis, 5-7 business day turnaround, nationwide service.