PFAS Testing Laboratories & Analytical Methods
PFAS testing detects per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, either by targeted analysis that names and quantifies individual compounds or by screening approaches such as total fluorine that indicate whether fluorinated chemistry is present at all.
What does it measure?
- Targeted PFAS compound concentrations, against a defined analyte list
- Total fluorine or total organic fluorine as a screening indicator
- Extractable PFAS from articles, packaging and finished materials
- Quality control data showing whether sampling or matrix affected the result
When is it used?
- Drinking water, groundwater, surface water and wastewater programmes
- Soil, sediment and biosolids investigation and land application decisions
- Product, packaging and material compliance with fluorine restrictions
- Supply chain declarations and fluorine-free material substitution
- Site investigation, remediation performance and due diligence
Sample considerations
- The method follows the matrix: drinking water, non-potable water, solids and articles are addressed by different published methods.
- Sampling containers, tubing, field notebooks and personal care products can all introduce PFAS — use the laboratory's kit and field instructions.
- Agree the analyte list before sampling; no single method covers every PFAS compound.
- Include the field and equipment blanks the method requires, or an unexpected detection cannot be attributed.
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
- Which PFAS method applies to my sample?
- It depends on the matrix and the programme — drinking water, non-potable water, solids and consumer articles are each addressed by different published methods. Describe the matrix and the requirement driving the test and the laboratory will select the method.
- Do I need to know the method before requesting testing?
- No. Describe the sample and what you need to determine. Method selection is the laboratory's job, and telling them the decision behind the test usually produces a better scope.
- What does total fluorine tell me?
- It indicates whether fluorinated substances are present at all, which is useful as a screen, but it does not identify individual PFAS compounds.
- Why does the laboratory matter so much for PFAS?
- Capability is matrix- and method-specific, and reporting limits vary. A laboratory accredited for drinking water PFAS is not automatically set up for biosolids, food or article extracts.
Confirm standard edition, jurisdiction and actual laboratory scope. Service references are not partnerships or endorsements.