HPLC Testing Lab in Houston, TX
Renew Lab Group is a licensed HPLC lab center in Houston, Texas. We use high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and LC-MS to test pharmaceutical products for compounding pharmacies, businesses and individual consumers. HPLC tells you how much active ingredient a product contains (potency), what else is in it (purity) and whether it matches a reference standard (identity). Results come back on a written certificate of analysis.
What is HPLC testing?
High-performance liquid chromatography is an analytical method that pumps a dissolved sample through a packed column under high pressure. Each compound in the sample interacts with the column a little differently, so the compounds leave the column (elute) at different times. A detector, most often UV, records each one as a peak on a chromatogram. The position of a peak (its retention time) helps identify the compound. The size of the peak, compared with a reference standard of known concentration, tells us how much of it is present (NCBI StatPearls; Shimadzu).
That combination of separation and measurement is why HPLC is the workhorse of pharmaceutical quality testing. One run can show whether the labeled active ingredient is present, how close the amount is to the label claim, and whether there are unexpected peaks that point to degradation products or contaminants.
What we test with HPLC
| Test | Question it answers | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Potency / assay | How much active ingredient is in the product, compared with the label claim? | Batch release, verifying a compounded preparation, checking a product you bought |
| Identity | Is the labeled compound actually present? | Confirming the right ingredient was used; retention time is matched to a reference standard |
| Purity / related substances | What else shows up, and how much? | Spotting degradation products, impurities or unexpected compounds |
Tell us the product, its dosage form (for example capsule, tablet, cream or solution), the labeled ingredient and strength, and we’ll tell you whether we can test it.
Who we test for
Compounding pharmacies and outsourcing facilities
503A pharmacies and 503B outsourcing facilities use third-party potency and purity testing to verify preparations, support beyond-use dates and document quality. Learn more on our potency and purity testing for compounding pharmacies page.
Individuals and consumers
If you want to know whether a medication or product you bought contains what its label says, you can submit it to us directly. See pharmaceutical product testing for individuals for how it works.
When HPLC isn’t enough: LC-MS
A UV detector shows that something eluted at a given time and how much of it there is. It doesn’t show the molecule’s mass. When you need to confirm a compound’s identity by its molecular weight, find an unknown peak, or measure something at very low concentration, we pair liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Our HPLC vs LC-MS guide explains which test fits which question, and our LC-MS testing services page covers what LC-MS adds.
How HPLC testing works at Renew Lab Group
- Tell us what you need. Call 936-379-5515 or use the contact form. Include the product name, the labeled strength, the dosage form and the question you need answered (potency, identity, purity or all three).
- Get a quote and a method. We confirm the test method, the reference standard, the sample amount needed, the price and the expected turnaround before you send anything.
- Submit samples. Drop off your sample at our lab at 6001 Central Crest, Houston, TX 77092, or ship it using the instructions we send with your quote.
- Analysis. We prepare the sample, run it against a reference standard and review the data.
- Get your report. You receive a certificate of analysis with your results.
What’s on your certificate of analysis
- Sample ID, product name, labeled strength and the date received
- Test method and the reference standard used
- Result for each test, for example potency as a percentage of label claim
- Analyst and reviewer sign-off, with the report date
Need help reading a report? Call us and we’ll walk you through your results. For documentation tips, see our guide to compounding pharmacy COA requirements.
More testing services from the same lab
HPLC and LC-MS are the core of our chemistry work, but they aren’t the only tests we run. Our lab also offers:
- Pharmaceutical water testing for purified water, water for injection, bacteriostatic water and sterile water: TOC, conductivity, pH, endotoxin, microbial limits and benzyl alcohol quantification
- Endotoxin testing (LAL) using the limulus amebocyte lysate method
- Microbiological testing: total aerobic microbial count (TAMC), total yeast and mold count (TYMC), sterility testing, bioburden and specified-organism testing
- Heavy metals and elemental impurities by ICP-MS
- Total organic carbon (TOC) analysis for pharmaceutical water systems
- Container closure and extractables/leachables testing for vials, syringes, bags and multi-dose containers
Work that needs a controlled environment is handled in our ISO 5/ISO 7 cleanroom. The full menu, with method details, is on our HPLC Lab Testing Services page.
Serving Houston and clients nationwide
Renew Lab Group is a licensed HPLC lab center in Houston, Texas, running both HPLC and LC-MS in house.
- Lab and sample drop-off: 6001 Central Crest, Houston, TX 77092. Call ahead so we know your sample is coming.
- Corporate office: 5847 San Felipe #2375, Houston, TX 77057
- Phone: 936-379-5515
- Email: info@renewlabgroup.com
Clients outside Houston can ship samples to us. Contact us first and we’ll send shipping instructions with your quote.
Frequently asked questions
What is an HPLC test used for?
HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) separates a sample into its components and measures each one. For drug products it is used to measure potency (how much active ingredient is present versus the label), to confirm identity against a reference standard and to check purity by looking for unexpected compounds.
Can individuals use your HPLC lab, or only businesses?
Both. We test for compounding pharmacies and other businesses, and individual consumers can submit a product directly. Individual testing is explained on our pharmaceutical product testing for individuals page, or call 936-379-5515 or email info@renewlabgroup.com.
How long does HPLC testing take?
Turnaround depends on the product, the tests and whether a method already exists for it. We confirm the timing when we quote. For current turnaround, call 936-379-5515 or email info@renewlabgroup.com.
How much does HPLC testing cost?
Price depends on the test (potency, identity, purity or a combination) and the number of samples. For current pricing and a quote, call 936-379-5515 or email info@renewlabgroup.com.
What’s the difference between HPLC and LC-MS?
Both use liquid chromatography to separate a sample. HPLC usually detects compounds with UV light and is ideal for measuring potency. LC-MS adds a mass spectrometer that measures molecular mass, which confirms identity more specifically and detects compounds at much lower levels.
Do I get a certificate of analysis?
Yes. Every test is reported on a certificate of analysis showing the method, the reference standard and your results, such as potency as a percentage of label claim.
Where is your lab located?
Our lab is at 6001 Central Crest, Houston, TX 77092. You can drop off samples there or ship them to us; call 936-379-5515 first so we know your sample is coming. Our corporate office is at 5847 San Felipe #2375, Houston, TX 77057.
Talk to the lab about HPLC testing
Tell us what you need tested and we’ll recommend a method and send a quote. Contact us at 936-379-5515 or info@renewlabgroup.com for current pricing, turnaround and sample requirements. Samples can be dropped off at our lab at 6001 Central Crest, Houston, TX 77092.