PFAS LC-MS/MS Analysis Laboratories

What does it measure?

• Concentrations of the individual PFAS on the agreed analyte list
• Isomer or branched/linear reporting where the method distinguishes them
• Quality control recoveries that indicate whether matrix interference affected the result

When is it used?

• Any programme requiring named PFAS compounds rather than a fluorine screen
• Confirming and quantifying detections flagged by a total fluorine screen
• Extract analysis for products, packaging and materials

Sample considerations

• The analyte list, not the instrument, determines what appears on your report — agree it in advance.
• Matrix effects in wastewater, leachate, biosolids and product extracts are managed by preparation and labelled standards; review the associated quality control.
• Very low reporting limits require correspondingly careful sampling and blank control.

Laboratories with relevant capabilities

• Pace Analytical Services (Minneapolis, MN) — Water & Wastewater, Air Testing, Chemical Analysis
• Eurofins Environment Testing (Lancaster, PA) — Water & Wastewater, Air Testing, PFAS Analysis
• SGS North America (Dayton, NJ) — Water & Wastewater, Air Testing, Chemical Analysis
• Alpha Analytical (Westborough, MA) — Water & Wastewater, Chemical Analysis, Elemental Analysis
• Vista Analytical Laboratory (El Dorado Hills, CA) — PFAS Analysis, Chemical Analysis, Water & Wastewater

Frequently asked questions

Is LC-MS/MS the only way to measure PFAS?

It is the usual technique for targeted compound measurement. Fluorine-based screens use different instrumentation and answer a different question, and non-targeted screening approaches exist for investigative work.

What does isotope dilution add?

Labelled analogues added before preparation track losses and matrix effects through the whole procedure, which improves confidence in the reported concentration.