- Mislabelling is common: a 2017 JAMA study found only about half of products sold online as SARMs contained SARMs at all.
- A certificate of analysis (COA) is only useful if it’s recent, batch-specific, from a real lab and uses a proper method.
- Independent testing is the strongest check; bloodwork gives indirect evidence.
- Red flags include generic COAs, no batch numbers and prices far below the market.
With steroids, the main question is usually whether a product is dosed correctly. With SARMs, it’s often whether the product contains the right compound at all. This guide explains what research found, how to read a lab certificate, and how to check what you have.
What the research found
In a study published in JAMA in 2017, researchers bought 44 products marketed as SARMs online and tested them:
- Only about half (52%) contained a SARM
- Around 39% contained another unapproved drug, such as MK-677 or GW501516
- About a quarter contained no active ingredient
- In most products, the amount differed significantly from the label
The market has changed since, but the lesson holds: labels alone mean little.
How to read a COA
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Lab | A named, verifiable lab, not just the seller’s logo |
| Date | Recent, and matching the batch you’re buying |
| Batch or lot number | Matches the number on your bottle |
| Method | HPLC or LC-MS, which identify and measure the compound |
| Result | Identity confirmed and the amount per tablet or ml stated |
| Chromatogram | A graph showing the main peak; extra peaks suggest impurities |
Red flags: the same COA on every product, no batch number, an undated or very old certificate, a lab you can’t find, or results that read exactly 100.0% every time.
Getting SARMs tested
Independent analytical labs test samples sent by consumers for a fee, reporting the compound and amount. Users often pool funds to test a popular batch. Reagent test kits can sometimes show whether a compound class is present, but not the dose.
Bloodwork as a check
Most real SARMs suppress testosterone and lower HDL. If a few weeks of use produces no change at all in testosterone, LH or HDL, the product may be underdosed or fake. Book through your doctor or LifeLabs or Dynacare; see our blood work guide.
Choosing a source
- Ships from inside Canada, with prices in CAD
- Batch COAs available on request
- Clear labels with compound and strength
- Reasonable, consistent pricing
Our general checklist is in how to verify a Canadian source. Our SARMs list the compound, strength and manufacturer, and batch COAs are available on request.
Legal note
SARMs aren’t approved by Health Canada, which has warned about unauthorized SARM products, and they aren’t listed in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my SARMs are real?
Independent lab testing is the best check. Bloodwork showing typical changes in testosterone and HDL is indirect evidence.
What should a SARMs COA include?
A named lab, recent date, matching batch number, HPLC or LC-MS method, identity and amount, ideally with a chromatogram.
Are most SARMs fake?
A 2017 study found about half of online SARM products didn’t contain SARMs. Quality varies widely by source.
Can I get SARMs tested in Canada?
Consumers usually send samples to independent analytical labs that accept them, often outside Canada, for a fee.
This article is general information for adults in Canada, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using any prescription drug, anabolic steroid or research compound, and get bloodwork done. If you’re in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) any time.
