Our potency results for THC are way lower than expected, and clients are furious. What could be causing false low readings on an HPLC?

Getting unexpectedly low THC results can be a nightmare, especially when clients are expecting higher potency. There are quite a few things that could be going wrong, so let’s troubleshoot step by step.

One of the biggest culprits is inefficient extraction. THC is sticky, and if your extraction process isn’t optimized, you’re probably leaving a good chunk of it behind. Double-check your solvent selection (methanol, ethanol, or acetonitrile tend to work best), ensure proper agitation or sonication, and verify that your extraction time and temperature are within ideal ranges. A rushed or inconsistent process can absolutely tank your potency results.

But extraction isn’t the only thing to watch. Sample prep mistakes—like poor homogenization or improper filtration—can skew results before your sample even makes it to the HPLC. If your samples aren’t evenly mixed, you might be analyzing a section that’s lower in THC while missing the hotspots entirely. And let’s not forget the impact of a degraded HPLC column, pH imbalances in the mobile phase, or inaccurate calibration standards—all of which can throw off your readings.

Another factor that’s easy to overlook? Tracking errors. If you’re manually recording sample data, mix-ups can happen, leading to incorrect dilutions, mislabeled vials, or even the wrong calibration curves being applied. A LIMS can help streamline data capture, ensuring every step, from extraction to analysis, is accurately tracked and standardized. This minimizes errors and keeps your potency results consistent, even when processing high sample volumes.

At the end of the day, optimizing your methods is key. THC testing isn’t just about running an HPLC; it’s about perfecting every step leading up to it. Tweak your extraction, double-check your sample handling, and make sure your instruments (and data) are as dialed in as possible.