Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become a significant concern in scientific research and environmental testing. These "forever chemicals" are ubiquitous, persistent, and pose substantial challenges for efficient laboratory workflows.

Learn from our experts how to tackle the most common challenges in their detection and analysis, and cross-contamination.

What are the unique challenges of PFAS?

PFAS analysis presents unique challenges due to the widespread presence of these chemicals in water, air, soil, and consumer goods, which increases the risk of contamination from everyday materials. Detecting PFAS at extremely low concentrations, often in the parts-per-trillion or parts-per-quadrillion range, requires high sensitivity and precision, leaving little room for error. Additionally, environmental and biological samples often have complex matrices, making extraction and quantification more difficult. As the list of regulated PFAS compounds grows, laboratories must continuously adapt to evolving detection methods and standards.

How to Detect PFAS in Samples?

PFAS detection typically involves advanced methods like Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), the gold standard for its high sensitivity and specificity. Additionally, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) is used for volatile PFAS compounds, while the Total Oxidizable Precursor (TOP) Assay identifies PFAS precursors that can break down into regulated PFAS.

Top Tips for Accurate PFAS Detection

1. Ensure all consumables, such as vials, pipette tips, gloves, and tubing, are certified PFAS-free to prevent contamination during sampling and analysis.  
2. Run blank samples to check for contamination before analysing real samples. This will help identify any unwanted PFAS presence in your instruments or materials.
3. Filter samples with PFAS-free materials to prevent contamination.
4. Use solvent extraction techniques like solid-phase extraction (SPE) to isolate PFAS from complex matrices.
5. Use certified reference materials (CRMs) to calibrate your instruments, ensuring accuracy and precision in detecting trace levels of PFAS.

Do you have a particular PFAS compound of interest but are not sure what method you should be using for the analysis? Check out this PDF from Merck and find out which of the promulgated methods have been validated for the named compounds.

Essential Tools for Reliable PFAS Analysis

When conducting PFAS analysis, having the right equipment is crucial for accurate, contamination-free results. At SLS, we offer a range of essential tools designed specifically for PFAS testing. Some of the key products include:

Sample Handling Supplies

When considering sample handling solutions for PFAS analysis, it’s crucial to start with the right containers. Halogen-free polypropylene vials and well plates ensure that low-concentration samples remain uncontaminated, providing accurate results every time. To further prevent contamination, select snap rings or 9 mm screw thread caps, which are designed with thin penetration areas to maintain sample integrity. Alternatively, if you’re working with multiple injections, use silicone/polyimide septa caps which allow for secure resealing, keeping your samples protected throughout the analysis process.

For a seamless experience, explore the SureStart range from Thermo Scientific.

Safety Caps and Fittings

Accurate PFAS analysis requires meticulous attention to every detail, including the materials used in laboratory equipment. Safety caps and fittings are critical components in minimising contamination risks and ensuring reliable results.

SCAT addresses this concern with safety caps featuring a polypropylene (PP) core, specifically designed to be free from PFAS for maximum test accuracy. Additionally, while traditional fittings are often made from PFA, which contains fluorine, SCAT’s innovative fittings are crafted from PFAS-free polypropylene to eliminate contamination risks entirely. 

Explore the full product range here. 

Certified Reference Materials

SLS provides a wide range of certified reference materials, essential for validating analytical methods and ensuring accuracy in detecting trace amounts of PFAS. Our product portfolio includes products from world-leading brands such as Merck, Supelco, and LGC.

One of the latest innovations in CRMs is represented by the Dr. Ehrenstorfer Smart Solutions™ PFASiMix, a high-performance mixture of 27 PFAS analytes, expertly formulated for maximum stability and reliability. Designed to eliminate the need for in-house preparation or stability studies, it provides a higher concentration to ensure strong signal intensity even in challenging sample matrices. Learn more about it here. 

Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE) Kits

For efficient extraction of PFAS from complex matrices, SLS stocks SPE kits that help isolate PFAS compounds without introducing contaminants. Explore our top picks below and enhance your analysis with top-tier solutions from world-leading suppliers.

The HyperSep PFAS SPE products are designed for efficient extraction and concentration of PFAS compounds from complex matrices. These products minimise background contamination, ensuring accurate analysis. Available in various formats, they are tailored to meet the needs of both targeted and non-targeted PFAS screening, making them suitable for environmental testing in water, soil, food, and other matrices. View our range here.