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Introduction

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) analysis refers to the qualitative and quantitative detection of a class of persistent, man-made chemicals known for their environmental stability and potential health risks. PFAS compounds are widely used in water-repellent coatings, non-stick cookware, firefighting foams, and industrial processes. Due to their bioaccumulative and non-degradable nature, PFAS have become a critical focus in environmental monitoring, food safety, and industrial hygiene. PFAS analysis helps identify trace levels of these substances in complex matrices such as water, soil, air, and biological samples, ensuring regulatory compliance and safeguarding public health.

Test Procedure

Principle

PFAS detection primarily relies on high-sensitivity mass spectrometry techniques, especially LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry):

Samples undergo solid-phase extraction (SPE) or protein precipitation for enrichment and purification.
LC separates PFAS compounds based on their chemical properties.
MS/MS detects and quantifies specific PFAS molecules using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) based on their mass-to-charge (m/z) transitions.
Internal standards are used to correct matrix effects and ensure accuracy.

Some methods may also use GC-MS, TOF-MS, or non-target screening for extended analysis. The technique enables quantification down to ppt (parts per trillion) levels.

Test Procedure

Up to 40 compounds in a single run, including legacy (PFOS, PFOA) and emerging PFAS (GenX, ADONA).

Typically in the range of 0.5–2 ng/L in water samples, depending on the matrix and compound.

Yes, methods such as EPA 537.1, 533, ISO 25101 are validated and routinely applied.

Yes. Specialized cleanup procedures are used for complex matrices such as serum and food packaging.

Yes, the TOP assay is available for precursor identification and total PFAS load estimation.

Test Procedure

PFAS analysis applies to a variety of sample types and testing needs, including but not limited to:

Matrix types: drinking water, groundwater, surface water, wastewater, sludge, soil, dust, food, blood serum
Typical application scenarios:
- Environmental contamination monitoring
- Industrial wastewater discharge compliance
- Food packaging safety evaluation
- Occupational exposure assessments
- Site remediation and risk assessment
Industries served: environmental protection, food safety, chemical manufacturing, semiconductor, automotive, public health.

PFAS in drinking water
- PFOS: 3.2 ng/L
- PFOA: 1.1 ng/L
- Total PFAS: 6.7 ng/L
- Method detection limit: 0.5–2.0 ng/L depending on compound
Soil near industrial site
- PFBS: 5.4 μg/kg
- GenX: 0.9 μg/kg
- Elevated PFAS detected, recommended follow-up risk assessment.

Common PFAS Compounds and CAS Numbers

Compound Name	Abbreviation	CAS Number
Perfluorooctanoic acid	PFOA	335-67-1
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid	PFOS	1763-23-1
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid	PFBS	375-73-5
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid	PFHxS	355-46-4
Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid	GenX	13252-13-6
Ammonium perfluorooctanoate	APFO	3825-26-1
Perfluorononanoic acid	PFNA	375-95-1
4:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonic acid	4:2 FTS	757124-72-4
Perfluorohexanoic acid	PFHxA	307-24-4
Perfluorodecanoic acid	PFDA	335-76-2

Pros and Cons

LC-MS/MS vs. Other Methods

Feature	LC-MS/MS	GC-MS	FTIR
Sensitivity	Very high (ppt level)	Moderate (ppb–ppt)	Low (ppm)
Compound coverage	Wide (30+ common PFAS)	Limited (mainly volatile PFAS)	Non-specific
Quantitative	Yes	Yes	Limited
Sample types	Liquid, solid, bio-samples	Mostly volatile organics	Solid films
Regulatory acceptance	Widely accepted (EPA, ISO)	Limited	Not used for regulatory testing
Cost	Medium–High	Medium	Low

Test Procedure

To ensure data reliability, please follow the guidelines below:

Volume:
- Water: ≥ 250 mL
- Soil/sediment: ≥ 50 g
- Biological samples: ≥ 1 mL serum or plasma
Container: Use polypropylene or HDPE bottles; avoid PTFE/Teflon materials.
Preservation: Store samples at 4°C and analyze within 14 days.
Avoid contamination: No waterproof clothing, fluoropolymer-lined materials, or PFAS-containing items during sampling.

Sample preparation: Pre-cleaning, filtration, pH adjustment, and spiking with isotopic standards.
Extraction & concentration: Solid-phase extraction (SPE) or dispersive extraction based on sample matrix.
Instrumental analysis: LC-MS/MS using validated multi-analyte methods (e.g., EPA 533, 537.1, ISO 25101).
Data processing: Integration, calibration, and background correction.
Report output: Concentration of individual PFAS compounds, total PFAS, method detection limits (MDLs), and data interpretation.

Regulatory testing

Environmental testing

Data analysis

Data analysis

Regulatory testing

Environmental testing

Data analysis

Data analysis

Sample Requirements

Application Case

Example Result

What our customers are saying

Need precise analysis? Contact us – we'll help you choose the best solution for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

PFAS analysis

Variant (SKU)

Introduction

Introduction

Test Procedure

Principle

Test Procedure

Test Procedure

Common PFAS Compounds and CAS Numbers

Pros and Cons

LC-MS/MS vs. Other Methods

Test Procedure

Test Procedure

Regulatory testing

Environmental testing

Data analysis

Data analysis

Regulatory testing

Environmental testing

Data analysis

Data analysis

Sample Requirements

Application Case

Example Result

What our customers are saying

Need precise analysis? Contact us – we'll help you choose the best solution for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

PFAS analysis

Variant (SKU)

Introduction

Introduction

Test Procedure

Principle

Test Procedure

How many PFAS compounds can you detect?

What is the detection limit?

Do you follow regulatory methods?

Can you analyze food or blood samples?

Do you offer total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay?

Test Procedure

Common PFAS Compounds and CAS Numbers

Pros and Cons

LC-MS/MS vs. Other Methods

Test Procedure

Test Procedure