A Methods-Based Reference to PFAS Testing Equipment
PFAS “forever chemicals” are ubiquitous in the environment, but they are also commonly found in lab supplies and even in instruments, so it is essential to prevent background sources from contaminating samples.
PFAS chemicals can also be “sticky” and adhere to certain materials that are regularly used in sampling and analysis (e.g., glass containers or pipettes). Consequently, everything in the sample flow path must be considered for its ability to either contribute background PFAS compounds or to retain what is present in samples.
The risk of PFAS contamination or retention can make choosing the right lab supplies for analysis difficult, and the availability of numerous methods from federal agencies adds another layer of complexity. They use different sample preparation and analysis products for both targeted and non-targeted analysis.
Selecting suitable lab supplies is even harder when you want to measure trace levels of PFAS at or below reporting limits in tap water. It becomes more challenging when analyzing compounds not included in current government methods or guidelines, such as short- and ultrashort-chain PFAS.
Finding suitable products can be simplified using the product guide tables below, which detail the lab supplies for PFAS analysis that are appropriate for widely accepted test kit configurations and methods from around the world, such as U.S. EPA Method 537.1 for Drinking Water and ASTM D7979-20 for Water, Sludge, Influent, Effluent, and Wastewater.
Together, these tables cover methods from U.S. agencies (CDC, EPA, FDA, and USDA), European agencies (DIN), and international standards organizations such as ASTM and ISO.
After selecting method-appropriate products used by certified labs, be sure to evaluate your system and supplies. This will help ensure they are free of target analytes and qualified for analysis at the levels required by the method to improve data quality and generate reliable PFAS data.
Restek is proud to support PFAS testing labs with clean, high-quality lab supplies and expert technical support. We help customers analyze legacy, alternative, and ultrashort-chain PFAS across a wide range of global testing standards critical for protecting human health and environmental health sciences.
You can register and directly compare analyte lists and matrices across methods here or visit www.restek.com/PFAS to explore our technical resources for PFAS information.
Lab Supplies for PFAS Chemical Analysis by Method
Click a method in the table headings to access a method overview and a list of recommended products for that specific water testing and PFAS detection method. Want to see results before setting foot in the lab?
You can model PFAS methods in minutes from your desk using Restek’s free, online Pro EZLC chromatogram modeler.
Accurate PFAS analysis is the critical first step in treating PFAS contamination and protecting water resources.
ANALYSIS
| EPA 537.1 | EPA 533 | EPA 1633A | EPA OTM 45 | EPA 8327 | USDA CLG-PFAS 2.04 | CDC 6304.09 | US FDA C-010.03 | DIN EN 17892* | DIN 38407-42 | ISO 21675:2019 | ISO 23702-1:2023 | ASTM D7968-23 | ASTM D7979-20 | ASTM D8421-22 | |
| C18 PHASE COLUMNS | |||||||||||||||
| PFAS delay column: 5 µm, 50 x 2.1 mm (cat.# 27854) | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| PFAS delay column: 5 µm, 50 x 3.0 mm (cat.# 580959 [custom product]) | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Force C18 FPP column: 1.8 μm, 50 x 2.1 mm (cat.# 9634252) | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Raptor C18 SPP column: 2.7 μm, 50 x 2.1 mm (cat.# 9304A52) | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| More C18 column dimensions are available here. | |||||||||||||||
| SPECIALTY PHASE COLUMNS | |||||||||||||||
| Raptor Polar X: 2.7 µm, 50 x 2.1 mm (cat.# 9311A52) | Ideal for ultrashort-chain (C1-C3) PFAS analysis with isocratic methods. See our method! | ||||||||||||||
| Ultra IBD Inert: 3 µm, 100 x 2.1 mm (cat.# 9175312-T) | Ideal for ultrashort-, short-, mid-, and long-chain PFAS analysis (C1 – C14) with gradient methods. See our method! | ||||||||||||||
| GUARD COLUMNS | |||||||||||||||
| UltraShield UHPLC precolumn filter: 0.2 µm frit (cat.# 25809) | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| EXP direct connect holder for EXP guard cartridges: (cat.# 25808) | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Raptor C18 EXP guard column cartridge: 2.7 μm, 5 x 2.1 mm (cat.# 9304A0252) | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
NOTE: Some products shown above may not exactly match the product description in the methods.
*DIN EN 17892 lists columns of the following dimensions in the appendix: Force C18 FPP column: 1.8 µm, 100 x 3.0 mm (cat.# 963421E) and Raptor C18 SPP column: 2.7 µm, 100 x 2.1 mm (cat.# 9304A12).
STANDARDS – Certified Reference Materials
For detailed compound lists, click the product catalog numbers below.
| EPA 537.1 | EPA 533 | EPA 1633A | EPA OTM 45 | EPA 8327 | USDA CLG-PFAS 2.04 | CDC 6304.09 | US FDA C-010.03 | DIN EN 17892 | DIN 38407-42 | ISO 21675:2019 | ISO 23702-1:2023 | ASTM D7968-23 | ASTM D7979-20 | ASTM D8421-22 | |
| PFAS 24 calibration standard: 1 µg/mL, methanol (1 mM KOH) (cat.# 30733) | – | X | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | X | – | – | – | – | – |
| PFAS 28 calibration standard: 1 µg/mL, methanol (1 mM KOH) (cat.# 30734) | – | X | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | X | – | – | – | – | – |
| PFAS EPA Method 533 Analyte Primary Dilution Standard (PDS) 2 µg/mL, Methanol (1 mM NaOH)/2-Propanol (98:2), 1 mL/ampul (cat.# 30840) | X | – | – | – | X | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| PFAS EPA Method 537.1 Analyte Primary Dilution Standard (PDS) 2 µg/mL, Methanol (1 mM NaOH)/2-Propanol (98:2), 1 mL/ampul (cat.# 30841) | – | X | – | – | X | – | – | – | – | X | – | – | – | – | – |
NOTE: Some products shown above may not exactly match the product description in the methods.
Sample Handling
| Product Category | Description | EPA 537.1 | EPA 533 | EPA 1633A | EPA OTM 45 | EPA 8327 | USDA CLG-PFAS 2.04 | CDC 6304.09 | US FDA C-010.03 | DIN EN 17892 | DIN 38407-42 | ISO 21675: 2019 | ISO 23702-1:2023 | ASTM D7968-23 | ASTM D7979-20 | ASTM D8421-22 |
| PRE-SCREENING OR FILTRATION OF PARTICULATE-CONTAINING SAMPLES | ||||||||||||||||
| Syringe filters | 30 mm syringe filter: 0.45 µm, nylon (cat.# 23981) | – | – | X | – | X | – | – | X | – | X | X | – | – | – | – |
| 30 mm syringe filter: 0.22 µm, nylon (cat.# 23980) | – | – | X | – | X | – | – | X | – | X | X | – | – | – | – | |
| 25 mm syringe filter: 0.22 µm, polypropylene (cat.# 28935) | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | X | X | X | X | |
| Glass wool | Deactivated borosilicate glass wool (cat.# 20789) | – | – | X | X | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Looking for filter vials? Browse available materials and formats here. | ||||||||||||||||
| SAMPLE COLLECTION, TRANSFER, AND EXTRACTION | ||||||||||||||||
| SPE (WAX) | Resprep PFAS SPE cartridge: 6 mL, WAX 150 mg/GCB 50 mg (cat.# 28930) | – | – | X | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Resprep PFAS SPE cartridge with filter aid: 6 mL, filter aid 2000 mg/WAX 150 mg/GCB 50 mg (cat.# 28931) | – | – | X | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| Resprep polymeric SPE cartridge: WAX, 6 mL/500 mg, 30 µm (cat.# 28268) | – | X | X | X | – | – | – | X | X | X | X | – | – | – | – | |
| Resprep polymeric SPE cartridge: WAX, 6 mL/200 mg, 30 µm (cat.# 28292) | – | X | X | X | – | – | – | X | X | X | X | – | – | – | – | |
| More WAX SPE configurations are available here. | ||||||||||||||||
| SPE (S-DVB) | Resprep S-DVB SPE cartridge: 6 mL/500 mg (cat.# 28937) | X | – | – | – | – | – | * | – | X | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Polypropylene sample reservoir | Polypropylene sample reservoir: 75 mL (cat.# 26015) | X | X | X | – | – | – | – | – | X | X | X | – | – | – | – |
| Polypropylene connectors | Polypropylene connectors (cat.# 26007) | X | X | X | – | – | – | – | – | X | X | X | – | – | – | – |
| QuEChERS extraction salts | Q-sep QuEChERS extraction salt packets only, unbuffered FDA method: 6 g MgSO4, 1.5 g NaCl (cat.# 28898) | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | X | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| More QuEChERS products are available here. | ||||||||||||||||
| Resin | Clean SDVB resin (cat.# 24230) | – | – | – | X | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Vacuum manifolds | Resprep QR-24 vacuum manifold (cat.# 28299-VM) | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | – | – | – |
| Resprep QR-12 vacuum manifold (cat.# 28298-VM) | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | – | – | – | |
| Vacuum pumps | Chemker 300 PTFE vacuum pump: 20 L/min, AC110 V, 60 Hz (cat.# 27426) | X | X | X | X | X | X | * | X | X | X | X | X | – | – | – |
| Chemker 300 PTFE vacuum pump: 18 L/min, AC220 V, 50 Hz (cat.# 27427) | X | X | X | X | X | X | * | X | X | X | X | X | – | – | – | |
NOTE: Some products shown above may not exactly match the product description in the methods.
* This CDC method is based on automated online SPE using C8 or C18 SPE materials. The product shown here is recommended for off-line SPE.
† This U.S. FDA method uses nano filter vial without caps, but polyethylene caps (cat.#s 23244 and 23247) can be ordered separately.
X A regenerated cellulose filter is mentioned in the method. However, nylon and polypropylene are widely accepted filter membrane materials for PFAS analysis.
X A glass fiber filter is mentioned in the method. However, nylon and polypropylene are widely accepted filter membrane materials for PFAS analysis.
General Lab Supplies
| EPA 537.1 | EPA 533 | EPA 1633A | EPA OTM 45 | EPA 8327 | USDA CLG-PFAS 2.04 | CDC 6304.09 | US FDA C-010.03 | DIN EN 17892 | DIN 38407-42 | ISO 21675:2019 | ISO 23702-1:2023 | ASTM D7968-23 | ASTM D7979-20 | ASTM D8421-22 | |
| Polypropylene vials: 100-pk. (cat.# 23243) | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Polypropylene vials: 1000-pk. (cat.# 23246) | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Polyethylene vial caps: 100-pk. (cat.# 23244) | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Polyethylene vial caps: 1000-pk. (cat.# 23247) | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Centrifuge tubes: 50 mL, 50-pk. (cat.# 25846) | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Centrifuge tubes: 50 mL, 500-pk. (cat.# 28290) | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Norm-Ject plastic syringe: 10 mL Luer Lock tip (cat.# 22775) | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Norm-Ject plastic syringe: 5 mL Luer Lock tip (cat.# 22774) | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
NOTE: Some products shown above may not exactly match the product description in the methods.
X ASTM methods refer to the use of a glass syringe. Norm-Ject plastic syringes are made from polypropylene/polyethylene and can be used as an alternative.
Recommended Products for Volatile Fluorinated Compounds (VFCs) Analysis by U.S. EPA OTM-50 (GC-MS)
| EPA OTM-50 | |
| SAMPLE COLLECTION/TRANSPORT | |
| SilcoCan Air Sampling Canister, 6 L, with 3-Port Siltek-Treated RAVE+ Valve with Gauge (cat.# 27309) | X |
| SilcoCan Air Sampling Canister, 6 L, with 2-Port Siltek-Treated RAVE+ Valve (cat.# 27307) | X |
| SilcoCan Air Sampling Canister, 6 L, No Valve (cat.# 22092) | X |
| TO-Can Air Sampling Canister, 6 L, with 3-Port RAVE+ Valve with Gauge (cat.# 27319) | X |
| TO-Can Air Sampling Canister, 6 L, with 2-Port RAVE+ Valve (cat.# 27318) | X |
| TO-Can Air Sampling Canister, 6 L, No Valve (cat.# 22096) | X |
References
- Restek Corporation, Guide to PFAS testing methods, a global survey of PFAS testing methods and guidelines, Technical article, EVAR3552C-UNV, 2024. https://www.restek.com/articles/guide-to-pfas-testing-methods
- S.H., Liang, J. A. Steimling, ,M. Chang Analysis of ultrashort-chain and short-chain (C1 to C4) per- and polyfluorinated substances in potable and non-potable waters. J. Chromatogr. Open 4 (100098) (2023) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcoa.2023.100098
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Method 537.1, Determination of selected per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances in drinking water by solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), November 2018. https://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si_public_file_download.cfm?p_download_id=537290&Lab=NERL
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Method 533, Determination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water by isotope dilution anion exchange solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry, November 2019. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2019-12/documents/method-533-815b19020.pdf
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Method 1633, Revision A, Analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (pfas) in aqueous, solid, biosolids, and tissue samples by LC-MS/MS, December 2024. www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-12/method-1633a-december-5-2024-508-compliant.pdf
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Other Test Method-45 (OTM-45), Measurement of selected per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances from stationary sources, January 13, 2021. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-01/documents/otm_45_semivolatile_pfas_1-13-21.pdf
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Method 8327, Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), July 2021. https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2021-07/8327.pdf
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Chemistry Laboratory Guidebook, CLG-PFAS 2.04, Screening, determination, and confirmation of PFAS by UHPLC-MS-MS, February 28, 2023. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/documents/CLG-PFAS2.04.pdf
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC 6304.09, Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, February 2019. https://wwwn.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhanes/public/2019/labmethods/PFAS-K-Met-508.pdf
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA C-010.02, Determination of 30 per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food and feed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), April 12, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/media/131510/download
- DIN EN 17892, Water quality-Determination of the sum of perfluorinated substances (Sum of PFAS) in drinking water – Method using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), September 2021.
- DIN 38407-42, German standard methods for the examination of water, waste water and sludge-Jointly determinable substances (group F)-Part 42: determination of selected polyfluorinated compounds (PFC) in water-Method using high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometric detection (HPLC/MS-MS)after solid-liquid extraction (F 42), March 2011.
- ISO 21675:2019, Water quality—Determination of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water—Method using solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), 2019. https://www.iso.org/standard/71338.html
- ASTM D7968-23, Standard test method for determination of polyfluorinated compounds in soil by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), November 6, 2023.
https://www.astm.org/d7968-23.html - ASTM D7979-20, Standard test method for determination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in water, sludge, influent, effluent, and wastewater by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), September 3, 2020. https://www.astm.org/d7979-20.html
- ASTM D8421-22, Standard test method for determination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aqueous matrices by co-solvation followed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) https://www.astm.org/d8421-22.html
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Other Test Method-50, OTM-50, Sampling and analysis of volatile fluorinated compounds from stationary sources using passivated stainless-steel canisters, January 2025. https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2025-01/otm-50-release-1-r1.pdf
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