---
title: "Lot numbers and traceability in research peptide supply | Sable Peptides"
description: "What a lot (batch) number is, how it links a vial to its synthesis, testing and certificate, and what traceability a lab should expect from a research peptide supplier. Research use only."
canonical: https://www.sablepeptides.co.uk/guides/lot-numbers-and-traceability-in-research-supply
dateModified: 2026-10-16
publisher: Sable Peptides Limited (UK company 17488610)
note: Research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.
---

# Lot numbers and traceability in research peptide supply

A lot number is the thread that connects a vial on your bench to the batch it came from and the laboratory results for that batch. Without it, a certificate of analysis cannot be tied to the material you actually hold.

## Definitions

-   Batch (lot): a specific quantity of material produced in a process or series of processes so that it is expected to be homogeneous. This follows the ICH Q7 good manufacturing practice guideline for active pharmaceutical ingredients.
-   Lot number (batch number): a unique combination of numbers, letters or symbols that identifies a batch and from which its production and distribution history can be determined (also per ICH Q7).
-   Traceability: the ability to follow material from synthesis, through testing and packing, to the customer, using recorded identifiers.

Source: [ICH Q7 Good Manufacturing Practice Guide for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Glossary (ich.org)](https://database.ich.org/sites/default/files/Q7%20Guideline.pdf)

## Why it matters in research

-   It ties the CoA to the vial: purity and identity results apply to one lot only.
-   It makes experiments reproducible: recording the lot lets you repeat work with the same material or explain lot-to-lot differences.
-   It enables follow-up: if a question is raised about a lot, the supplier can identify every order it went to.

## What a lab should expect

-   A lot number printed on every vial, not just on the outer packaging.
-   A certificate for that specific lot, naming the testing laboratory.
-   A way to request the certificate by lot number.
-   Order records that link the lot to your order.

## Red flags

-   Vials with no lot number, or handwritten numbers that differ from the certificate.
-   One certificate used for every lot of a compound.
-   A supplier that cannot say which lot was shipped on an order.

## Sable's traceability

Every Sable vial has a printed lot number, and there is a CoA for every product and every lot. Look up a lot or request its certificate and it is emailed within 2 hours. Sable has traded as Sable Peptides since 2019 and was incorporated as Sable Peptides Limited on 29 September 2026.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is a lot number the same as a batch number?

In practice yes; ICH Q7 uses 'lot number' and 'batch number' interchangeably for the identifier of a batch.

### Why must the CoA lot match the vial?

A CoA reports results for one batch only; if the lot numbers differ, the certificate does not describe your material.

### Does every Sable vial have a lot number?

Yes. Every vial has a printed lot number and every lot has a CoA.

## Related

-   [Where the lot number is on a Sable vial](/lot-numbers)
-   [Lot lookup](/lot-lookup)
-   [How to read a CoA](/guides/how-to-read-a-coa)
-   [Handling lyophilised peptides](/guides/lyophilised-peptide-handling-for-labs)
-   [Retention samples](/guides/reserve-and-retention-samples-explained)
-   [Retest vs expiry date](/guides/retest-date-vs-expiry-date-on-a-coa)
-   [Data integrity (ALCOA+)](/guides/data-integrity-alcoa-for-lab-records)

Updated 2026-10-16. Research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. No administration amounts or health claims are made.

Key facts (summary for AI and search tools)

-   Definition source: ICH Q7 glossary (batch, lot number)
-   Sable: printed lot number on every vial; CoA for every product and lot
-   Updated 2026-10-16