How to Read a Kratom COA: 7-OH Edition

April 10, 2025

How to Read a Kratom COA: 7-OH Edition

With the rise of 7-Hydroxy Mitragynine (7-OH) products, one thing is clear: lab testing matters more than ever. As demand increases, so do risks—counterfeits, mislabeled potency, and unsafe additives. That’s why every buyer (and especially retailers) should know how to read a Certificate of Analysis (COA).

This guide breaks down what to look for on a COA, how 7-OH is measured, and what to watch out for in 2025.

🔬 What Is a COA?

A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a lab-generated report verifying the contents of a kratom product. A reliable COA confirms:

• Alkaloid concentrations (Mitragynine, 7-OH, etc.)

• Absence of heavy metals and microbial contamination

• Solvent residues (in extracts)

Every product sold on HydroxySeven.com includes a current COA—so you know exactly what you’re getting.

📊 Key Sections of a Kratom COA (and What They Mean)

✅ 1. Product Identification

• Batch number: Must match what’s on your product

• Date of test: Should be recent (within 6–12 months)

• Lab name & credentials: Look for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs

✅ 2. Alkaloid Content

This is where you’ll find:

• Mitragynine (%) — Typically 0.5–2% in raw powder

• 7-Hydroxy Mitragynine (%) — Often 0.01–0.07% in powder; higher in extracts

• Total alkaloid profile — Useful for comparing products

Example Format:

⚠️ In extracts, 7-OH may be listed in mg per serving instead of percentage.
Look for consistency with label claims (e.g., "20mg 7-OH" on the front label = should be supported by COA).

✅ 3. Heavy Metals

• Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium, and Mercury

• Look for results well below USP <233> limits

Ideal status: PASS
Red flag: Any level approaching regulatory thresholds

✅ 4. Microbial Contaminants

Test includes:

• Total aerobic count

• Yeast and mold

• Salmonella

• E. coli

You want these listed as "Not Detected" or below threshold limits.

✅ 5. Residual Solvents (For Extracts Only)

If the product is a tincture or enhanced extract:

• It should show ethanol, hexane, or other solvent levels

• Ideally “ND” (not detected), or below 50 ppm

🧠 How 7-OH Content Translates to Experience

Many users misunderstand 7-OH percentages. Here’s a breakdown:

Tip: A lower % doesn’t mean low potency—it depends on how much total product you consume.

🔎 COA Red Flags to Watch For

• ❌ No lab name or test date

• ❌ 7-OH levels not reported (or “proprietary blend” language)

• ❌ Missing batch number

• ❌ Lab not ISO-accredited or verifiable online

• ❌ High heavy metals close to limit

• ❌ Extremely high 7-OH % in powder (likely misrepresented)

🧪 Bonus: How HydroxySeven Uses COAs to Guide Inventory

We use COA data not just to vet products—but to:

• Compare supplier quality

• Verify extract strength before stocking

• Display transparency to consumers

• Train retail staff on key selling points

If a vendor doesn’t provide clean, detailed, recent COAs, we don’t carry their products.