Product Guide for PFAS Analysis - A Methods-Based Reference to Lab Supplies for PFAS Testing

Importance of PFAS Analysis

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants with widespread distribution and potential health impacts. Reliable detection at trace levels is essential to support regulatory compliance, risk assessment, and remediation efforts. Robust analytical workflows and high-purity lab materials help minimize background contamination and analyte loss, ensuring accurate quantification of “forever chemicals.”

Aims and Overview of the Guide

This product guide outlines best practices for selecting and validating lab supplies in PFAS testing. It summarizes key observations from early PFAS method development, presents method-specific equipment recommendations (EPA 537.1, 533, 8327; ISO 25101, 21675; ASTM D7979, D7968; DIN 38407-42), and highlights screening procedures to identify background PFAS in sample pathways. It also catalogs cartridges, columns, vials, pumps, and calibration standards commonly used in global PFAS methods.

Methods and Instrumentation

Reliable PFAS analysis requires careful material selection and system qualification to avoid contamination and sorptive losses. Core components include:

• Sample collection vessels and connectors
• SPE cartridges (Resprep WAX, S-DVB, polymeric phases) and vacuum manifolds with disposable liners
• Filtration devices and mobile phase filters
• Autosampler vials, caps, reservoirs, and PTFE-free materials
• UHPLC/HPLC components (PTFE tubing, delay columns to trap system PFAS, Raptor C18 and Polar X stationary phases)
• Mobile phase solvents, transfer lines, and low-pressure inlet filters
• Calibration standards tailored to each method (EPA 537.1, 533, 8327 mixes)
• Auxiliary equipment (rocker vacuum pumps, survival kits for tubing and fittings)

Key Results and Discussion

Two foundational insights guide modern PFAS testing: PFAS are ubiquitous, and they adhere to many common materials. Pre-checking each component for PFAS background and retention characteristics is critical. Tables provided in the guide map method requirements to specific products and outline target analyte lists for each protocol. Delay columns effectively remove system-borne PFAS, and core-shell LC columns enhance separation of both legacy and ultrashort-chain PFAS. SPE products with optimized polymer or mixed-mode chemistries deliver consistent recoveries across diverse sample matrices.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The recommended lab supplies and screening workflows enable high sensitivity, reproducibility, and compliance with international PFAS methods. Laboratories benefit from reduced troubleshooting, lower blanks, and improved recovery rates. The curated selection of cartridges, columns, and standards supports drinking water, wastewater, soil, sludge, and biota testing per global regulatory guidelines.

Future Trends and Possibilities

Emerging PFAS regulations and the rise of ultrashort-chain compounds drive ongoing innovation in sample preparation and detection. Future trends include advanced sorbent materials to target new PFAS classes, automated SPE and micro-extraction platforms, and tailored delay columns for cutting-edge chromatography. Enhanced calibration mixes and isotopically labeled standards will further refine quantification at sub-ppt levels.

Conclusion

A methodical approach to lab supply selection and system validation is vital for accurate PFAS analysis. By integrating high-purity materials, dedicated delay columns, optimized SPE chemistries, and tailored calibration standards, laboratories can achieve trace-level performance and meet stringent global testing requirements.

Reference

• U.S. EPA Methods 537.1, 533, 8327
• ISO 25101 and ISO 21675
• ASTM Methods D7979, D7968
• DIN 38407-42