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Framework Reference
Cite PeptideClear
This page is for writers, researchers, and harm-reduction resources who want to reference or cite PeptideClear's scoring frameworks. It summarizes both frameworks, their dimensions, score bands, and the canonical URLs to link to. Full methodology documentation is one click away from each section below.
Framework 01
Research Quality Score (RQS)
A 7-dimension, 100-point framework that scores the methodological strength of the clinical evidence behind a peptide compound. It measures research quality only - not whether a compound is safe, effective, or worth using. A high RQS means the evidence base is methodologically strong. A low RQS means the evidence base is thin or absent.
The 7 Dimensions
| Dimension | What it measures | Max |
|---|---|---|
| Study Design | Highest-tier study type: RCT, observational, animal, or in vitro | 25 |
| Sample Size | Cumulative human participant count across published studies | 20 |
| Replication | Number of independent research groups who reproduced findings | 20 |
| Journal Impact Factor | Publication quality of primary journals where research appeared | 15 |
| Funding Independence | Degree of independence from commercial or industry funding | 10 |
| Population Diversity | Breadth of demographics across trial participants | 5 |
| Researcher h-Index | Academic standing of the primary research team | 5 |
| Total | 100 |
Score Bands
80-100 · Strong Evidence
60-79 · Moderate Evidence
40-59 · Limited Evidence
20-39 · Weak Evidence
0-19 · Insufficient
Full Methodology
Framework 02
Vendor Transparency Score (VTS)
A 7-dimension, 100-point framework that grades how openly and verifiably a gray-market peptide vendor documents their process, using only signals a stranger can confirm from public materials before purchase. It measures process transparency only - not product safety, purity, or efficacy. A high VTS means a vendor's documentation is verifiable. A low VTS means little can be independently confirmed.
The 7 Dimensions
| Dimension | What it measures | Max |
|---|---|---|
| Third-Party Testing Practice | Whether testing is by an independent external lab, named and verifiable | 30 |
| Batch Traceability | Whether a buyer can match a vial to a specific test result by lot number | 20 |
| COA Accessibility | Whether COAs are publicly available before purchase - no login, no request | 15 |
| COA Completeness | Whether COAs show test type, method, issuing lab, and lot linkage | 15 |
| Testing Recency | Whether COA dates confirm testing is current relative to product on sale | 10 |
| Policy Transparency | Whether refund, reship, and quality-incident terms are publicly stated | 5 |
| Operational Track Record | Verifiable years in operation and community presence | 5 |
| Total | 100 |
Score Bands
80-100 · High Transparency
60-79 · Moderate Transparency
40-59 · Limited Transparency
20-39 · Low Transparency
0-19 · Opaque
Full Methodology
Shared Principles
1
Both frameworks score on process inputs only. RQS scores research methodology. VTS scores vendor documentation practice. Neither renders verdicts on whether a compound works or whether a product is safe.
2
Every scored point is documented and linked. RQS scoring logs cite the specific PubMed entries, journals, and funding disclosures behind each dimension. VTS scoring logs link to the specific public pages each point was drawn from. All scoring logs are published at peptideclear.github.io.
3
Scores are independent of commercial relationships. No compound or vendor pays to be scored, and no affiliation affects the score. RQS and VTS band labels are intentionally distinct so a compound score and a vendor score at the same number are never conflated.
How to Cite
Inline hyperlink (recommended)
...scored using PeptideClear's Research Quality Score, a 7-dimension framework measuring the methodological strength of clinical evidence...
Inline hyperlink - VTS
...graded using PeptideClear's Vendor Transparency Score, a 7-dimension framework scoring publicly verifiable documentation practice...
APA-style
PeptideClear. (2026). Research Quality Score: Methodology documentation. https://peptideclear.com/rqs-methodology
APA-style - VTS
PeptideClear. (2026). Vendor Transparency Score: Methodology documentation. https://peptideclear.com/vts-methodology
Plain text / no hyperlink
Source: PeptideClear Research Quality Score (peptideclear.com/rqs-methodology) - a 7-dimension, 100-point framework scoring methodological strength of clinical evidence. RQS measures research quality only, not safety or efficacy.
Questions about a specific score or framework? hello@peptideclear.com