Have PFAS Analyzed
Would you like to have PFAS analyzed in a product or other relevant sample? A PFAS analysis provides measurement data on selected PFAS compounds in the sample being tested.
The reason for the analysis may vary. Perhaps you want to check a final product, include PFAS in your monitoring program, or investigate an unexpected result further.
That’s why targeted PFAS testing starts with two questions: What is the matrix in question, and what do you want to be able to assess based on the results?
The right PFAS analysis starts with your question
PFAS is a collective term for a large group of compounds. Which PFAS are relevant and which analysis is appropriate therefore depend on your sample and research question.
Depending on the available services, PFAS testing may be relevant for, for example:
- food
- ingredients and raw materials
- water
- soil
- crops
- animal feed
- food contact materials
That’s why, when we receive a request, we look at the type of sample, the reason for the analysis, the relevant compounds, and what you need the results for.
This ensures that the test design aligns with the question you ultimately want to answer.
Which PFAS are relevant?
PFAS encompasses a very large group of compounds. Therefore, a single analytical method does not automatically detect all PFAS. The appropriate testing strategy depends on the matrix and the research question.
For certain foods, the following compounds, among others, may be relevant:
- PFOS
- PFOA
- PFNA
- PFHxS
Depending on the product and the analysis package, additional PFAS compounds may be relevant.
Therefore, determine in advance which substances and what type of information are needed to answer your research question.
From Analysis Results to Assessment
A PFAS analysis provides measurement data on the sample being tested. The significance of the results depends on:
- the compounds being analyzed
- the matrix
- the reporting limits
- the original research question
- the criteria against which you wish to evaluate the result
A single analysis result therefore does not automatically provide a conclusion about an entire product stream. However, it does provide factual information that you can use to proceed in a targeted manner.
Follow-up investigation into a possible source
A standard analysis provides insight into the PFAS components detected in the sample. A comprehensive investigation into the origin or the entire contamination pathway is not automatically included in that standard analysis.
Do the results raise questions about a possible source? If so, you can determine whether additional samples or analyses are relevant.
This way, you first determine what information is missing before organizing follow-up investigations.
TFA as a Specific PFAS Issue
Within the broader PFAS issue, TFA (trifluoroacetic acid) is also receiving increasing attention. TFA is classified as an ultra-short-chain PFAS.
TFA is not automatically included in every targeted PFAS testing package. Do you have a specific question about TFA? Please mention this in your request so we can determine which testing is appropriate.
PFAS in Food Packaging
Food contact materials can also pose a PFAS challenge. This may require a different testing strategy than for food products, such as a combination of targeted PFAS analysis and fluorine screening.
Analysis of total fluorine or organically bound fluorine provides a different type of information than a targeted analysis of selected PFAS compounds.
Do you have a PFAS-related issue?
Would you like to have PFAS or TFA analyzed in a product or other sample? Let us know which matrix is involved and what you hope to assess with the results. We’ll then determine which analysis best suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About PFAS Analysis
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A PFAS analysis tests a sample for selected PFAS compounds. You will receive measurement data on the components tested.
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Which compounds are relevant depends on the matrix and the research question. For certain foods, PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, and PFHxS, among others, may be relevant.
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Depending on the services available, PFAS testing may be relevant for, among other things, food products, raw materials, water, soil, crops, animal feed, and food contact materials.
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TFA is a specific PFAS-related research topic. Therefore, please explicitly mention a TFA-related question in your application.
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A comprehensive investigation into the origin of PFAS is not automatically included in a standard analysis. Based on the results, it can be determined which follow-up investigations are relevant.