Complete PFAS analytical testing workflow solutions

In a rapidly evolving regulatory environment with increasing concerns surrounding PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination, analytical testing laboratories face significant challenges in achieving accurate detection and quantification. 

When it comes to PFAS testing, the future is now. Preparing your laboratory and investing in cost-effective, advanced analytical instrumentation has never been more important.

• Maximize testing potential with tailored PFAS workflows designed for contract testing labs, food manufacturers, municipality/government labs, academia, and more.
• Address current regulatory requirements with a comprehensive, full-spectrum portfolio for targeted PFAS workflow solutions. 
• Enable the discovery of unknown compounds in waters, solids, air or food through technologies and software for non-targeted PFAS workflows.
• Access dedicated technical support and resources as workflows continue to evolve around the growing number of PFAS found around the globe.

 
 
 
 
 
Maximize your business potential with workflows and instruments for PFAS testing

We have created dedicated PFAS workflow solutions, tailored to help your laboratory meet the specific needs of regional PFAS regulatory requirements. Each detailed workflow includes all aspects of technologies, from manual or automated sample extraction to chromatographic separation, detection and quantification of compounds.

Screening workflows for PFAS testing

PFAS Screening for water: US EPA Draft Method 1621 prescribes the use of combustion ion chromatography (CIC) to determine adsorbable organic fluorine (AOF) in aqueous samples. AOF determination is valuable in assessing PFAS contamination.

This is a highly sensitive, reliable complimentary screening technique can be used to discover new or unexpected compounds, by determining the if the mass of fluorine present is greater than accounted for in a targeted list. 

Targeted analysis workflows for PFAS testing

Regulatory PFAS methods using LC – and GC- triple quadrupole mass spectrometry: For the targeted analysis of specific PFAS this powerful technique enables precise quantification and identification, even at low (ng/L) concentrations.

Targeted PFAS workflow for water – 100 µl direct injection method

Direct injection methods are based on sample dilution, filtration and acidification followed by LC-MS/MS analysis. This direct analysis method can detect 24 diverse types of PFAS compounds in a wide variety of non-drinking water matrices and used in methods such as US EPA 8327 and ASTM D7979. 

ISO 21675:2019 is widely used in Europe and specifies a method for the determination of selected PFAS in non‑filtrated waters. In the EU, countries must adhere to the Drinking Water Directive (EU) 2020/2184 where 20 PFAS are regulated. Additionally, the number of target PFAS may vary by country. For example, the UK targets 47, France 7, Italy 18 and Belgium 43 PFAS.

Regarding sample preparation for this workflow, many targeted PFAS methods require sample clean-up that can be done by manual solid-phase extraction (SPE) techniques or more conveniently by, either automated sample extraction using the Thermo Scientific Dionex AutoTrace 280 PFAS, an offline automated SPE system, or by using the online Thermo Scientific TriPlus RSH SMART Autosampler.

Targeted PFAS workflow for water and solid matrices – US EPA Method 1633

This workflow uses automated solid phase extraction (SPE) techniques for targeted PFAS quantitation prior to LC-MS/MS analysis. Automation techniques can be used to increase sample throughput and reduce turnaround time when performing analysis following US EPA Method 1633 for PFAS in aqueous, solid, biosolids, and tissue samples or using similar EU methods.

Targeted PFAS workflow for air quality

The US EPA is working to better regulate air emissions of PFAS and Other Test Method 45 (OTM-45) is a measurement of specific PFAS from stationary sources. In Europe, a research method has been developed for both neutral and ionic PFAS in ambient air using thermal desorption coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS/MS) for the analysis of 19 target PFAS. 

Thermal desorption is a suitable technique for analysis of organic contaminants in air, including ultra-volatile species. Stainless-steel thermal desorption tubes, packed with special sorbents, are used as sampling media to preconcentrate samples from hundreds of liters of air. The thermal desorption unit offers sequential and unattended analysis of up to 100 samples, eliminating the cost of liquid cryogen.

Non-targeted workflows for PFAS testing

​LC- and GC- high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry: For both targeted and non-targeted analysis of PFAS and other potential fluorine-containing compounds, using this innovative technology alongside advanced software provides comprehensive insights into PFAS contamination, ensuring regulatory compliance.​

More than 15,000 known PFAS (with more PFAS being actively discovered) dictate the need for comprehensive non-targeted analysis of PFAS by high-resolution accurate mass (HRAM) mass spectrometry and turnkey software to help you characterize your samples for reporting.

Non-targeted PFAS workflow for air

Thermal desorption coupled to gas chromatography – HRAM (TD-GC-HRAM) for the analysis of unknown or non-targeted PFAS.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
Featured PFAS resources

View our collection of educational, on-demand webinars to give you a deeper understanding of PFAS testing. Alternatively, watch one of our informational videos to hear how Thermo Fisher Scientific is making it easier to perform analyses of PFAS compounds in environmental samples.

 
 
 
 
 
We can help you meet your PFAS analytical challenges. Contact us.

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