Precision Plant Molecules Frustrated with your Third-Party Test Results?

Have you ever wondered why different third-party testing labs can test the same samples or batches, but then provide varying test results?

Have your potency results ever been reported as > 100% CBD?

LET’S SHED SOME LIGHT ON THESE MYSTERIES.

Precision Plant Molecules manufactures CBD products from hemp and performs in-house analytical testing as well as third-party testing at accredited labs to ensure the highest quality products are delivered to our customers.

In Colorado, there are eleven state-certified analytical testing facilities for cannabis. Unbiased, outside testing can inform the grower, the product manufacturer, and the customer of the product potency and assure there is no contamination from harmful chemicals and microbiota.

But are third-party lab test results reliable?

Occasionally, seeing lab results over 100% purity can be very confusing. Many lab customers complain that results seem very inconsistent or don’t make sense at all.

Results over 100% values are due to the accumulation of uncertainty. Theoretically, you can’t have more than 100% of anything. Scientifically, when you combine the uncertainty of the chemical standards, laboratory processes, laboratory equipment, and laboratory personnel, the additive effect of uncertainty is a +/- value that can lead to a final value in excess of 100% for very pure compounds. Labs don’t adjust the values to just be 100% because that would completely negate the defensibility of the data. ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requires test labs to minimize the uncertainty to the best of their scientific ability.

And what about inconsistent results?

Every test is influenced by pre-analytical variables like sampling technique and timing of collection, conditions of the growing environment, nutrient and amendment selection, etc. Plant material such as hemp flower can also vary a surprising amount, with a general normal variation between samples 4-7% within the same loci, and as much as 12-15% across the plant. Therefore, it is important to homogenize and give representative samples to the testing lab.

The results of third-party state-certified labs are reliable. Private testing labs and mobile testing labs do not have the same certification and may have greater margins of error. Having a good relationship with a reliable lab will help save both time and money and promote a higher quality line of products.

Here are some tips for when you send your samples for testing: