Guide to PFAS Testing Methods

Early movements in establishing PFAS testing methods began in 2009 with U.S. EPA Method 537 and ISO 25101:2009 methods targeting select compounds in water—the most common and direct exposure pathway for humans. Since then, as the number of PFAS and their prevalence have grown, government agencies and scientific communities around the world have developed newer PFAS testing methods and guidance documents for a wider range of compounds and sample matrices. The following method collection, organized by region, provides an overview of the scope of current PFAS testing methods and guidelines as well as the recommended products used for each.

For labs starting PFAS analysis or adding new compounds or matrices to their testing program, the method and guideline summaries in the links below can help you compare methods, select an appropriate workflow, and find the right supplies. You can also register and directly compare analyte lists and matrices across PFAS analysis methods here, and you can even model PFAS methods online before trying them in the lab using Restek’s free Pro EZLC chromatogram modeler. An overview of products recommended across methods is also available. If you have questions or want to further explore PFAS analysis, visit www.restek.com/PFAS for additional resources or contact your local Restek representative for assistance.

UNITED STATES PFAS TESTING METHODS & GUIDELINES

UNITED STATES VOLATILE FLUORINATED COMPOUNDS IN AIR METHOD

EUROPEAN PFAS TESTING METHODS & GUIDELINES

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS PFAS TESTING METHODS & GUIDELINES

Other Methods and Guidelines 

1. Restek Corporation, Your partner in pfas analysis, Technical article, GNLP4243A-UNV, 2024. https://www.restek.com/pfas
2. U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of Energy, DoD/DOE quality systems manual for environmental laboratories (QSM), Version 6.0, December 13, 2023. https://www.denix.osd.mil/edqw/denix-files/sites/43/2024/01/QSM-Version-6.0-FINAL-Dec-13-2023.pdf
3. U.S. Department of Defense, DoD AFFF01 Determination of perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid in aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) for demonstration of compliance to MIL-PRF-24385, Rev 1.0, December 10, 2021.   https://www.denix.osd.mil/edqw/denix-files/sites/43/2021/12/DoD-AFFF01-Rev-1.0-dtd-7-Dec-2021-1.pdf
4. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA 1621 Determination of adsorbable organic fluorine (AOF) in aqueous matrices by combustion ion chromatography (CIC), January 2024. https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-01/method-1621-for-web-posting.pdf  
5. Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), General PFAS sampling guidance, January 2024. https://www.michigan.gov/pfasresponse/-/media/Project/Websites/PFAS-Response/Sampling-Guidance/General.pdf?rev=6217442052bf4fedb89bbf786560d645

Discover more solutions for PFAS analysis at www.restek.com/PFAS!