A laboratory report card is dense. It fits the findings of an examination onto something the size of a bank card, and every line on it is there for a reason. This guide walks through the DRGTL card as an example of what a complete report contains; other laboratories arrange things differently, but the same information should be present on any serious report.
The header
Laboratory name and address. The issuer. It should be a real place that can be visited, telephoned or written to. A report from a laboratory with no findable address is a report from no one.
Report number. The unique identifier of this examination in the laboratory's register. On a DRGTL card it is printed in the coloured band, prefixed by a letter for the article type (S for Rudraksha, E for gemstones, and so on). This number is the key to verification.
PIN. A short code printed only on the physical card, required with the report number to view the record online. Its purpose is to stop anyone who merely knows a report number from viewing or copying the record. Keep the card; the PIN is not recoverable from the website. How online report verification works.
QR code. Encodes the verification address with the report number pre-filled. It does not contain the PIN.
The photograph
An image of the article as examined — for Rudraksha, often the X-ray-style monochrome image that shows the surface structure; for gemstones and other articles, a colour photograph. Its purpose is matching: the article in your hand should be the one in the picture. Distinctive surface features, the shape of the crown, the outline of a stone, all serve as identifiers.
The description fields
Specimen name. What the article was submitted as, and what it is: 7 Mukhi Rudraksha, Blue Sapphire, Crystal Bracelet.
Weight. In grams for Rudraksha and beads; in carats (and grams) for gemstones. To two decimal places. Used for matching.
Measurements. Width × height in millimetres for Rudraksha; length × width × depth for gemstones. Used for matching.
Colour, shape. Plain descriptions.
The findings — Rudraksha
Natural faces. The count of mukhi judged natural under magnification.
Artificial faces. The count judged carved or altered. Zero on a natural bead.
X-ray compartments. The internal chamber count from the radiograph. On a natural bead it equals the natural face count. This line is the substance of the test. Reading a Rudraksha X-ray.
Species. Elaeocarpus ganitrus for genuine Rudraksha; otherwise the finding.
Origin. An opinion — Nepal or Indonesia — based on size and surface. Nepal vs Indonesian Rudraksha.
The findings — gemstones
Species and variety. The mineral and its gem name: Corundum — Ruby; Beryl — Emerald; Quartz — Amethyst.
Hardness. The Mohs value for the identified species (stated, not tested).
S.G. Specific gravity, measured or characteristic of the species.
R.I. Refractive index, measured.
Tests carried. The methods used: magnification, refractometer, polariscope, UV, spectroscope, X-ray. A report should say what was done.
Treatment / comment. Any treatment observed — heating, filling, dye — and its extent; or a statement that none was observed under the tests applied. Also any limits: beryllium diffusion not excluded.
The conclusion
A one-line statement that follows from the findings: Natural 7 Mukhi Rudraksha; Natural Corundum (Ruby), Heated; Glass — not Sapphire. It is highlighted because it is what most readers look for; it should never say more than the findings support.
The footer
Date of issue. The report describes the article on that date.
Authorised signature and stamp. The examiner's or laboratory's authorisation.
Terms. A short statement that the report is an opinion based on the tests stated, not a valuation or guarantee.
What should not be on a report
A valuation or price. A statement of astrological or spiritual effect. Promotional language for any seller. Any of these tells you something about the issuer's purpose. What a laboratory report cannot tell you.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the PIN not in the QR code?
So that a photograph of the QR code, or the report number alone, cannot be used to view the record. The PIN is the holder's key.
What if a field is blank?
Some fields do not apply to every article (no RI for a Rudraksha; no compartment count for a sapphire). A blank in a field that should apply — no weight, no measurements — is a gap in the report.
Why does the card say "opinion"?
Because a report is the laboratory's professional judgement based on tests, and honesty requires saying so. It is a well-founded opinion, and reputable laboratories stand behind theirs.
Can two reports for the same article differ?
Slightly, in wording and grading. The measured values — weight, dimensions, RI, compartment count — should agree closely.
How do I check the card is genuine?
Verify the report number and PIN online and compare the record with the card and the article. How to spot a fake or altered certificate.