How PFAS Testing Is Done
As a mom who’s always on the lookout for ways to keep my family safe and healthy, I’ve learned that PFAS—those pesky per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—are no joke. These “forever chemicals” don’t break down easily and can linger in our water, soil, and everyday products. So, understanding PFAS testing in water without microplastics is key to knowing what’s really in our drinking water. Let me walk you through how scientists detect these sneaky chemicals—and how you can make sure your water is truly PFAS free.
Laboratory PFAS Water Testing Methods: The Science Behind the Scenes
The EPA has some pretty impressive tools for PFAS testing in water. Here are the main methods they use:
- Method 537: Targets 14 long-chain PFAS with a technique called solid-phase extraction (SPE) combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Think of LC-MS/MS as a super-powered chemical detective that can spot PFAS at mind-bogglingly low levels—like finding one drop of water in an Olympic pool!
- Method 537.1: An upgrade that includes 18 PFAS compounds, even newer ones like GenX.
- Method 533: Focuses on 25 short-chain PFAS using isotope dilution anion exchange SPE paired with LC-MS/MS.
- Method 8327: Used for non-drinking water sources like groundwater or wastewater, screening for 24 PFAS compounds—though it’s a bit less sensitive.
- Draft Method 1633: The superhero of PFAS detection, capable of finding up to 40 different PFAS in various water types.
Before the magic of LC-MS/MS happens, samples go through SPE, which basically concentrates the PFAS and filters out stuff that could interfere—kind of like prepping your detective for the big case!
Want the nitty-gritty? Check out the EPA’s PFAS drinking water laboratory methods or my favorite easy-to-follow overview at MyTapScore’s guide.
Collecting Samples: Don’t Let Your Water Test Be a “PFAS Surprise”
You can collect your own water samples with kits from trusted labs or agencies. These kits come with clear instructions and special containers designed to avoid contamination—because nobody wants extra forever chemicals showing up from the bottle itself! After you collect your sample, send it off to accredited labs that follow strict protocols to keep results accurate.
Curious about proper collection? The EPA’s tribal drinking water sampling guide breaks it down step-by-step.
Other Testing Techniques: When LC-MS/MS Isn’t the Only Player
While LC-MS/MS is the gold standard, there are a few other methods worth knowing about (though they’re usually less sensitive or more specialized):
- Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS): Good for volatile PFAS but not your go-to for water.
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): Sometimes used with different detectors to help separate PFAS.
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): Quick screening but less precise—think of it as a “first alert” rather than a verdict.
- Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) Analysis: Measures all organic fluorine to estimate total PFAS presence but doesn’t identify specific chemicals.
For a deeper dive into these options, check out RJ Lee Group’s fantastic blog on testing.
DIY Test Strips and At-Home Kits: Science Experiments You Can Skip
I get it—the idea of testing your water at home sounds like a fun science project. But here’s the reality check: DIY test strips just don’t have the sensitivity or accuracy needed to detect those elusive forever chemicals. What you can do is use at-home sample collection kits that send your water off to certified labs for real analysis.
One solid option is Cyclopure’s water test kit, which pairs home sampling with professional lab testing.
Choosing Your Testing Method: What Fits Your Family’s Needs?
- Basic Screening: EPA Methods 537 and 8327 are wallet-friendly and great for first checks.
- More Comprehensive: Methods 533 and Draft 1633 catch a wider range of PFAS—perfect if you live near industrial areas or suspect higher contamination.
How Often Should You Test?
Even if your first test comes back clean, it’s wise to recheck every decade—or sooner if you think new contamination might be creeping in. Remember: forever chemicals don’t just pack up and leave!
For more on timing, check out the Massachusetts PFAS private well FAQ.
Key Takeaways
- Always trust accredited labs using EPA-approved methods for PFAS free assurance in your water.
- LC-MS/MS is like the superhero tool for detecting these stubborn forever chemicals.
- Skip those DIY test strips—they just don’t cut it.
- You can collect samples yourself but let labs do the heavy-duty analysis.
- Pick your testing method based on your risk level and budget—and remember to retest periodically to keep your family safe.
Want more info on testing and finding PFAS-free products? Visit the PFAS Free Life database.