Botanical Testing Guide
How to Compare Botanical Testing Panels
Start with the decision the results need to support, then compare exact analytes, matrix fit, result type, reporting basis, calculations, sample needs, and timing.
A familiar panel name—or a larger analyte count—does not establish that two analytical scopes are equivalent. The useful comparison is the published scope, item by item.
Scope Before Count
Nine questions that make panel scopes comparable
Use these questions for an internal specification review, a laboratory quote, or a side-by-side evaluation of published panel descriptions.
Intended decision
Start with the question the results must answer: verify a defined specification, characterize a material, compare lots, support a formulation, or investigate an unexpected result.
Exact analytes
Compare the named analytes, not only the family name or count. Record both what is included and any compound important to the project that is absent.
Matrix and product form
A panel still needs method-and-matrix fit. Identify whether the sample is a raw material, extract, powder, capsule, tablet, liquid, finished product, or another format.
Result type
Confirm whether each constituent is reported quantitatively, qualitatively, or only as part of a calculated value. These result types answer different questions.
Reporting basis and units
Choose units that match the specification and product form, such as w/w%, mg/g, mg/mL, or mg/unit when applicable. A unit conversion does not replace the underlying measurement.
Sensitivity and relevant limits
State the concentration range or decision point that matters. The right analyte list may still be unsuitable if the reporting sensitivity does not fit the intended decision.
Calculated values
Separate measured analytes from sums, ratios, dry-weight corrections, per-unit conversions, or other calculations. Ask which measured results feed each calculation.
Sample and timing
Confirm the required amount, number of units, product format, standard timing, and expedite feasibility before sending material or planning a release date.
Market and accreditation needs
Share the target market and any project-specific accreditation requirement. Neither a panel name nor general laboratory accreditation establishes fit for every activity or matrix.
Worked Scope Example
Focused and broader can both be correct
Cora Science offers two quantitative Mitragyna options. The 5-analyte option answers a focused question; the 11-analyte option adds a wider alkaloid view. The broader option is not automatically the right one for every specification.
5 analytes
Focused 5-Analyte Profile
A focused quantitative profile for projects whose specification or reporting decision names these five targets.
Quantitatively reported:
- Mitragynine
- Speciogynine
- Speciociliatine
- Paynantheine
- 7-hydroxymitragynine
11 analytes
Expanded 11-Analyte Profile
A broader composition profile that quantitatively reports all 11 listed alkaloids.
Quantitatively reported:
- Mitragynine
- Speciociliatine
- Speciogynine
- Mitraciliatine
- Paynantheine
- Corynantheidine
- 7-hydroxymitragynine
- Rhynchophylline
- Isorhynchophylline
- Corynoxine
- Mitraphylline
This example explains panel breadth only. It is not a state-specific testing package, a compliance determination, or a ranking of analytical quality.
Review the complete Mitragyna Alkaloids profileThree-Step Review
Turn a broad panel request into a defined scope
- 1
Define the question
Write down the product, matrix, specification or decision, target compounds, and target market.
- 2
Compare published scope
Check the exact analytes, result types, units, calculated values, sample guidance, and known conditions on each candidate profile page.
- 3
Confirm the configuration
Use the quote request to confirm method-and-matrix fit, reporting sensitivity, sample needs, timing, price, and any market-specific requirement before testing.
Quote Checklist
Bring the details that determine fit
A concise, specific request lets the laboratory review the actual analytical question instead of guessing what a panel name is meant to cover.
Start a general quote request- Product name, matrix, and physical format
- Target analytes or constituent family
- Specification, claim, comparison, or other intended decision
- Required reporting basis, units, and sensitivity
- Available sample amount or number of individual units
- Target market, accreditation requirement, and deadline
Published Scope Examples
Review the exact coverage in each current profile family
Each profile page names the included analytes and describes reporting, sample, timing, and technical-review context. Use those details—not the family name alone—for comparison.
FAQ
Common panel-comparison questions
Is a full botanical panel a standardized analytical scope?
No. The phrase full panel does not define one universal analyte list, matrix, reporting basis, sensitivity, or set of calculated outputs. Compare the published scope item by item.
Is a panel with more analytes automatically the better choice?
No. A focused panel may be the better fit when the specification names that exact set, while a broader panel may be useful for a wider characterization question. Fit depends on the intended decision, matrix, reporting, and sensitivity—not the count alone.
What does Panel Sum mean on Cora Science targeted profiles?
Calculated as the sum of the quantified analytes included in the selected panel. It does not represent constituents outside that panel.
What should I include in a botanical panel quote request?
Provide the product and matrix, target analytes, intended decision, requested units and sensitivity, available sample amount or unit count, target market, accreditation needs, and deadline. The laboratory will confirm the final configuration.
Next Step