This guide to PFAS testing methods is a summary of global regulations, standards, and guidance documents used to analyze per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across water, soil, biosolids, tissue, food, air, and other matrices. The following methods, organized by region, provide an overview of the scope of current PFAS testing methods and guidelines.
It wasn’t always this complex. When the first standardized methods arrived in 2009, they targeted select compounds in water. Since then, as more PFAS have been identified and found in more places, agencies worldwide have published methods covering far more compounds and matrices. Whether you’re setting up PFAS analysis for the first time or adding to an established program, the method and guideline summaries via the links below can help you compare methods, select an appropriate workflow, and find the right supplies.
For recommended columns, standards, and sample prep, review our PFAS product guide or contact your local Restek representative.
U.S. PFAS Testing Methods & Guidelines (EPA, USDA, FDA, CDC)
U.S. Volatile Fluorinated Compounds in Air Method
European PFAS Testing Methods & Guidelines (DIN, EU Regulations)
International PFAS Standards & Guidelines (ISO, ASTM, AOAC)
Other Methods and Guidelines
- Restek Corporation, Your partner in pfas analysis, Technical article, GNLP4243A-UNV, 2024. https://www.restek.com/pfas
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
PFAS Analysis Simplified
From product selection to expert guides—everything your workflow needs in one place.
