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 current regulatory methods and guidelines for PFAS testing.
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 in environmental samples and other matrices, agencies worldwide have published methods covering far more compounds and sample types.
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.
PFAS Analytical Method Development Considerations
Many PFAS methods rely on solid phase extraction (SPE) for sample preparation, particularly techniques that concentrate PFAS compounds in drinking water samples and other aqueous matrices. These standard operating procedures and sampling protocols support data integrity and enable accurate detection at ultra-trace levels.
Water methods continue to improve extraction efficiency to ensure reliable results in detecting PFAS in drinking water and non-potable samples such as surface water, groundwater, and wastewater.
Meanwhile, methods for more complex matrices such as food, soil, biosolids, landfill leachate, and tissue often require different extraction and cleanup strategies, while still relying on LC-MS/MS for targeted analysis. In some research and screening workflows, high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) may also be used to evaluate a broader range of compounds.
Check the testing methods below to compare matrix scope, analyte coverage, and analytical approaches.
U.S. PFAS Testing Methods & Guidelines (EPA, USDA, FDA, CDC)
U.S. PFAS analysis methods use LC-MS/MS workflows and defined data quality criteria to support PFAS monitoring across multiple matrices and regulatory programs. These FDA, USDA, and EPA methods address both legacy and emerging PFAS, depending on the application and sample type.
U.S. Volatile Fluorinated Compounds in Air Method
Analyzing PFAS in air matrices requires specialized techniques to capture and measure volatile fluorinated compounds in workplace and environmental settings.
European PFAS Testing Methods & Guidelines (DIN, EU Regulations)
European frameworks emphasize harmonized standard methods for the analysis of PFAS across environmental media to ensure consistency across member states, including requirements tied to the EU Drinking Water Directive.
International PFAS Standards & Guidelines (ISO, ASTM, AOAC)
Global standards facilitate cross-border comparability using validated analytical techniques for diverse sample types. Among these is ASTM D8421-22 for aqueous samples, which addresses PFAS analysis in water matrices.
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
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