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Accurate ingredient identification is one of the most important steps in dietary supplement quality control. Whether you are verifying a botanical, raw material, powder, capsule, or finished product, identity testing helps confirm that the material matches what is listed on the label, supplier documentation, or product specification. At Advanced Laboratories, we offer reliable identification testing using techniques such as HPTLC and FTIR to support quality, compliance, and confidence in your supply chain.

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HPTLC Botanical Identification

 

High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography, or HPTLC, confirms botanical identity by separating and visualizing a plant’s unique phytochemical fingerprint, allowing us to verify authenticity against validated reference standards.

HPTLC is especially useful for botanical ingredients as plants often contain complex mixtures of naturally occurring compounds. This method helps detect differences in identity, quality, and potential adulteration. A positive botanical ID should match the reference standard in number of bands, band positions, color reactions, and relative intensity patterns. If bands are missing, or extra bands appear, this may indicate adulteration, the wrong species, or poor quality material.

Common Uses for HPTLC

HPTLC may be used to support:

  • Botanical raw material identification
  • FDA or NSF compliance
  • Supplier qualification
  • Investigation of questionable or inconsistent materials
  • Comparison against validated reference standards

With over 40 ingredients currently validated, our chemists are continuously working to expand our identification capabilities. Our posted list is updated in real time to provide you with the most up to date information.

View Validated Botanicals

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FTIR Material Identification

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, or FTIR, is commonly used to identify materials by measuring how they absorb infrared light. Each material produces a unique spectral pattern, which can be compared to known reference spectra.

FTIR is often useful for confirming the identity of non-botanical raw materials and other ingredients where infrared fingerprinting is appropriate. FTIR is also great tool to measure batch-to-batch consistency for finished products during product qualification, or for measuring overall degradation during stability testing.

Why Use FTIR?

FTIR can provide a fast and efficient way to screen materials and support identity confirmation. With the dietary supplement industry placing increased focus on ingredient verification and supply chain transparency, identity testing is an essential part of a strong quality program.
With multiple rush options available, you no longer have to wait on quick releases or quarantine decisions.

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Built for Supplement Manufacturers

 

Advanced Laboratories supports dietary supplement brands, manufacturers, and raw material suppliers with practical testing solutions designed for real world production timelines. For many manufacturers, HPTLC may be more appropriate for raw botanical identity, while FTIR can be a practical tool for batch-to-batch consistency monitoring, supplier screening, or non-botanical comparison. Using the right identification tool depends on whether you are verifying ingredient identity, product consistency, or both.

Our team can help determine whether HPTLC, FTIR, or another analytical approach is appropriate based on your ingredient, matrix, and testing objective.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the difference between HPTLC and FTIR?HPTLC is often used for botanical identity and helps answer, “What plant is this?” by comparing a material’s phytochemical fingerprint to known botanical references. FTIR is typically used to compare overall material composition and can help answer, “Does this batch match previous approved batches?” making it useful for batch-to-batch consistency, finished product comparison, non-botanical raw materials, and supplier screening.
  • Can HPTLC confirm every botanical ingredient?Not always. HPTLC is highly useful for many botanical ingredients, but method suitability depends on the material, available references, and the complexity of the sample. Our team can help determine whether your ingredient is a good fit
  • Do I need identification testing if I already have a supplier COA?Yes. A supplier COA is helpful, but independent identity testing provides an added layer of verification. It helps confirm that the material received matches the expected identity before use in manufacturing.

Request a validation for HPTLC

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