When you pick up a lab report, you're looking for three things:

1. The analytes. For e-liquids, you need to see results for:

• Nicotine concentration (should be within ±10% of the label claim)
• Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic)
• Carbonyls (formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein)
• Microbial contamination (for products with vegetable glycerin, which can harbor bacteria)

2. The limits. Each analyte should have a detection limit. If the report says 'not detected', it needs to say 'not detected at a limit of X'. If there's no limit, the result is meaningless.

3. The batch. The report should reference a specific batch number or manufacturing date. If the report is generic and doesn't match the product you're holding, it's worthless.

Here's a quick checklist you can use:

• [ ] Does the report list specific analytes, not just 'pass'?
• [ ] Does it state the detection limit for each analyte?
• [ ] Does it reference a batch number or date?
• [ ] Is the lab ISO-accredited?
• [ ] Is the lab independent from the manufacturer?
• [ ] Does the report include the method used (e.g., GC-MS for nicotine)?

If you check 'no' to any of these, ask for more info or walk away.