Identity Testing Services
Botanical, Nutraceutical & Pharmaceutical Raw Material Verification
Delta Labs Corp provides multi-technique identity testing to confirm the genus, species, and authenticity of raw materials used in dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and functional food products. Our platform integrates macroscopy, microscopy, HPTLC, FT-IR, and HPLC, offering a robust, regulatory-compliant approach to raw material verification.
Macroscopic Evaluation
Visual verification of whole, cut, or crude materials. Macroscopy is the initial screening tool for identifying visible traits that differentiate species or detect adulteration.
We assess:
- Shape, size, surface texture, and fracture pattern
- Color consistency and odor profile
- Whole herb/part conformity (e.g., root, leaf, bark)
- Organoleptic traits (when relevant)
Each sample is compared to authenticated reference materials or pharmacopeial descriptions.
Microscopic Examination
Cellular-level authentication of powdered, milled, or granulated botanicals. Microscopy is critical for identifying raw materials that have been processed beyond visual recognition.
We examine:
- Epidermal cells, fibers, stone cells, calcium oxalate crystals
- Trichomes, oil glands, starch grains
- Foreign matter (e.g., sand, starch fillers, synthetic fibers)
- Adulteration markers (e.g., substitution with unrelated species)
HPTLC
(High Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography)
Chemical fingerprinting for botanical species identification.
HPTLC generates a visual chromatographic profile unique to each plant species or extract.
Key applications include:
- Confirming identity of powdered or extracted botanicals
- Detecting adulterants, fillers, or analog species
- Verifying the presence of pharmacologically active compounds
- Matching sample profiles to authenticated reference standards
Performed per USP <203>, EP 2.8.25, AHP, and AOAC guidelines.
HPLC Confirmatory Testing
Quantitative confirmation and chemical validation. Following HPTLC identification, HPLC is used to confirm and quantify active markers, ensuring ingredient authenticity and label compliance.
HPLC adds:
- Precise quantitation of actives (e.g., curcuminoids, silymarin, withanolides)
- Confirmation of compound identity via retention time and UV spectrum
- Differentiation of species with overlapping HPTLC bands
- Data for regulatory filings, certificates of analysis, and potency verification
Examples include:
- Curcuma longa – Curcumin, DMC, BDMC
- Boswellia serrata – AKBA, KBA
- Panax ginseng – Rg1, Rb1, Rc
- Ashwagandha – Withanolides
- Milk Thistle – Silybin A/B, Silychristin
All HPLC testing follows USP, AOAC, or validated in-house methods.
FT-IR
(Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy)
Fast and non-destructive identity confirmation for minerals, excipients, and simple actives.
FT-IR provides rapid screening using spectral comparison with certified reference libraries.
Used for:
- Identifying minerals, salts, acids, and excipients
- Differentiating simple organic compounds
- Screening for major ingredient substitution
- Supporting orthogonal confirmation of identity
FT-IR testing is performed in accordance with USP <197K> and EP 2.2.24.
Regulatory Applications
Our identity testing supports:
- Raw material intake & batch release
- Vendor qualification & COA verification
- Amazon compliance and submission support
- FDA, FSMA, and cGMP documentation requirements
- Import/export documentation and customs clearance
All testing is traceable, audit-ready, and compliant with global regulatory expectations.
Why Identity Testing Matters
Confirming the identity of raw materials is not optional—it’s a legal requirement under FDA CFR 111 and 211. Failing to verify identity risks:
- Product mislabeling
- Regulatory warning letters
- Customer complaints and recalls
- Loss of credibility and business
Delta Labs Corp offers a rigorous, science-first approach that gives our clients confidence and compliance in every batch.
Our Testing Services
Trusted Testing. Proven Quality
From Molecule to Market — Safeguarding Quality Every Step of the Way