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PFAS Analysis by U.S. EPA Method 1633A for Aqueous, Solid, Biosolids, and Tissue

03 Oct 2025

feature EVAR4286
  • Sample Matrix: aqueous, solid, biosolids, and tissue samples
  • Sample Preparation: WAX solid-phase extraction
  • Detection Technique: LC-MS/MS

Analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Aqueous, Solid, Biosolids, and Tissue Samples by LC-MS/MS

U.S. EPA Method 1633A is used for the analysis of 40 PFAS in aqueous, solid, biosolids, and tissue samples. The analysis of bile acids TCDCA, TDCA, and TUDCA is also required. EPA Method 1633A combines solid-phase extraction sample preparation using weak anion exchange (WAX) cartridges with LC-MS/MS analysis on a C18 column. The method is performance based and allows modifications to be made to improve performance (e.g., to overcome interferences or improve sensitivity, accuracy, or precision), but only if all method performance criteria are met. The full analyte list and recommended products for PFAS analysis in aqueous, solid, biosolids, and tissue samples by Method 1633A are provided below. In addition, you can register and directly compare analyte lists and matrices across PFAS analysis methods here or visit www.restek.com/PFAS to explore our technical resources for PFAS analysis.

Analyte List for U.S. EPA Method 1633A for PFAS Analysis

PFAS acronyms, compound names, and CAS numbers vary across methods and guidelines, and they also depend on compound form (e.g., neutral vs. salt). The following list uses standardized terminology to allow easy comparison across the methods and guidelines in our comprehensive guide. Please refer to U.S. EPA Method 1633A for method-specific nomenclature. Note that the analysis of bile acids TCDCA, TDCA, and TUDCA is also required by this method.

AcronymCompound NameCAS#
NEtFOSAAN-ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid2991-50-6
NMeFOSAAN-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid2355-31-9
PFBSPerfluoro-1-butanesulfonic acid375-73-5
PFDAPerfluorodecanoic acid335-76-2
PFDoAPerfluorododecanoic acid307-55-1
PFHpAPerfluoroheptanoic acid375-85-9
PFHxSPerfluoro-1-hexanesulfonic acid355-46-4
PFHxAPerfluorohexanoic acid307-24-4
PFNAPerfluorononanoic acid375-95-1
PFOSPerfluorooctanesulfonic acid1763-23-1
PFOAPerfluorooctanoic acid335-67-1
PFTeDAPerfluorotetradecanoic acid376-06-7
PFTrDAPerfluorotridecanoic acid72629-94-8
PFUnAPerfluoroundecanoic acid2058-94-8
HFPO-DA, GenXHexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid13252-13-6
PFBAPerfluorobutanoic acid375-22-4
PFPeAPerfluoropentanoic acid2706-90-3
PFDSPerfluoro-1-decanesulfonic acid335-77-3
PFHpSPerfluoro-1-heptanesulfonic acid375-92-8
PFPeSPerfluoro-1-pentanesulfonic acid2706-91-4
FOSAPerfluoro-1-octanesulfonamide754-91-6
4:2 FTS1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid757124-72-4
6:2 FTS1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid27619-97-2
8:2 FTS1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluorodecane sulfonic acid39108-34-4
NMeFOSAN-Methylperfluorooctanesulfonamide31506-32-8
NEtFOSAN-ethylperfluorooctanesulfonamide4151-50-2
9Cl-PF3ONS9-Chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanonane-1-sulfonic acid (F-53B Major)756426-58-1
11Cl-PF3OUdS11-Chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid (F-53B Minor)763051-92-9
ADONA4,8-Dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid919005-14-4
PFNSPerfluoro-1-nonanesulfonic acid68259-12-1
PFEESAPerfluoro(2-ethoxyethane)sulfonic acid113507-82-7
NFDHANonafluoro-3,6-dioxaheptanoic acid151772-58-6
PFMPAPerfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid377-73-1
PFMBAPerfluoro-4-methoxybutanoic acid863090-89-5
NMeFOSE2-(N-methylperfluoro-1-octanesulfonamido)-ethanol24448-09-7
NEtFOSE2-(N-ethylperfluoro-1-octanesulfonamido)-ethanol1691-99-2
PFDoSPerfluorododecane sulfonate79780-39-5
3:3 FTCA3:3 Fluorotelomer carboxylic acid356-02-5
5:3 FTCA5:3 Fluorotelomer carboxylic acid914637-49-3
7:3 FTCA, FHpPA7:3 Fluorotelomer carboxylic acid or 3-perfluoroheptyl propanoic acid812-70-4

Recommended Products for U.S. EPA Method 1633A for PFAS Analysis

Analytical LC Columns:


Raptor C18, 2.7 µm, 50 x 2.1 mm HPLC Column
Force C18, 1.8 µm, 50 x 2.1 mm LC Column

Delay Columns:


PFAS Delay Column, 5 µm, 50 x 2.1 mm HPLC Column

PFAS delay column: 5 µm, 50 x 3.0 mm (cat.# 580959 [custom product])

Guard Columns:


UltraShield UHPLC PreColumn Filter, 0.2 µm Frit, ea.
EXP Direct Connect Holder for EXP Guard Cartridges, Includes Fitting & Ferrules
Raptor C18 EXP Guard Column Cartridge, 2.7 µm, 5 x 2.1 mm, 3-pk.

Sample Prep:


Resprep S-DVB SPE Cartridge, 6 mL/500 mg, 30-pk.
Resprep Polymeric SPE Cartridge, WAX, 6 mL/500 mg, 30 μm, 30-pk.
Resprep Polymeric SPE Cartridge, WAX, 6 mL/200 mg, 30 μm, 30-pk.

Sample Reservoirs:


SPE Empty Tubes, Sample Reservoir, 75 mL, Polypropylene, 12-pk.
SPE Connector, 1, 3, 6, 10, or 15 mL, Polypropylene, 15-pk.

Vacuum Manifolds:


Resprep QR-24 Vacuum Manifold
Resprep QR-12 Vacuum Manifold

Vacuum Pumps:


Chemker 300 PTFE Vacuum Pump, 20 L/min, AC110 V, 60 Hz
Chemker 300 PTFE Vacuum Pump, 18 L/min, AC220 V, 50 Hz

General Lab Supplies:


Limited-Volume Screw-Thread Polypropylene Vials, 9 mm, 700 µL, 12 x 32 mm, 100-pk.
Limited-Volume Screw-Thread Polypropylene Vials, 9 mm, 700 µL, 12 x 32 mm, 1000-pk.
2.0 mL, 9 mm Solid-Top Polyethylene Caps, Screw-Thread, 10 mil thick membrane, Clear, 100-pk.
2.0 mL, 9 mm Solid-Top Polyethylene Caps, Screw-Thread, 10 mil thick membrane, Clear, 1000-pk.
Empty Centrifuge Tubes, 50 mL, Polypropylene w/Cap, 50-pk.
Empty Centrifuge Tubes, 50 mL, Polypropylene w/Cap, 500-pk.
Norm-Ject Plastic Syringe, 10 mL Luer Lock Tip, 100-pk.
Norm-Ject Plastic Syringe, 5 mL Luer Lock Tip, 100-pk.

Discover More Solutions for PFAS Analysis!

EZLC modeler PFAS Placeholder Image

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  • Restek Corporation

    Restek is a leading provider of chromatography columns, accessories, and certified reference materials. Trust Restek for reliable, high-quality analytical solutions.

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