PFAS testing methods and standards: How to select the most appropriate analytical approach?

The analytical field of PFAS testing is still in its relatively early stages, which means that the selection of internationally recognized standard methods is limited. Combined with the vast number of compounds that cannot be captured individually in a single analysis, choosing the most appropriate testing strategy can be challenging. 

To overcome these challenges, we summarize the current best practices for PFAS method selection below, covering available analytical techniques and commonly applied standard methods from international, European, and American standardization organizations and environmental agencies. We also include practical examples to demonstrate how the sample matrix and analytical objectives should guide the method selection process. 

Analytical techniques for PFAS analysis

PFAS presence can be measured in two main ways: 

1. Targeted analysis of specific compounds using liquid or gas chromatography. The most common approach is using LC-MS-based methods to detect a wide range of PFAS, but GC-MS-based techniques are also available for volatile PFAS detection.

2. Total fluorine (TF) or total organic fluorine (TOF) analysis with combustion ion chromatography (CIC) or other IC techniques to estimate the overall presence of fluorinated compounds.

Various analysis packages and standard methods exist for targeted PFAS screening, with the number of detectable compounds ranging from around 20 to over 150 per measurement. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) depend on the method, sample matrix, and target analytes, but it is generally possible to reach a ppb or even ppt level LOQ when analyzing relatively clean samples with high-performance targeted PFAS methods. 

While fluorine analyses cannot identify individual compounds, they are extremely useful in evaluating overall PFAS content, for example in cases where high-profile compounds have been replaced with less-known ones unlikely to be included in targeted analysis packages. The main challenge relates to higher detection limits, generally on the ppm level, meaning that small amounts of highly toxic PFAS may go unnoticed. TF and TOF assays also cannot differentiate between PFAS and other sources of fluorine, which may lead to an overestimation of PFAS presence if the sample contains other fluorinated compounds.

To counter the limitations of both approaches, the current best practice for comprehensive PFAS analysis is measuring both TF or TOF content and the concentrations of the most common individual compounds. For additional information on precursor substances to well-known PFAS, a total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay can be included in the testing plan.

Standard methods for PFAS analysis by sample matrix

Some of the most commonly applied standardized methods for targeted PFAS analysis are listed in Table 1, along with the types of samples they are best suited for. 

In-house methods can be used in cases where no standards are available for a certain matrix, such as a complex chemical sample. These methods are often based on an established analytical standard, and most of the in-house methods have been carefully modified at a specialized laboratory to suit the target material.

Example 1: Testing a packaging material for regulatory compliance

The new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) bans PFAS in food packaging from August 2026 onwards. To ensure that a packaging material complies with the restriction, we recommend the following approach: 

• TOF analysis to verify that total organic fluorine content does not exceed the 50 ppm limit specified in the regulation.

• A targeted analysis of 30–50 compounds, including high-profile PFAS, such as PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS to ensure that no individual compound is present in a concentration above 25 ppb and that the total concentration does not exceed 250 ppb.

Currently, the CEN/TS 15968, EN 17681-1, and EN 17681-2 standards are most commonly applied to the targeted analysis. Once harmonized standards or common specifications become available, they should be used as the basis for PFAS analysis to ensure PPWR compliance.²

Example 2: PFAS screening of water or soil for environmental monitoring

A typical testing plan for environmental PFAS monitoring projects tends to incorporate a targeted analysis of around 20 to 50 compounds based on the EPA 1633 and DIN 38414-14 standard methods. TF and TOF analyses are used more rarely than in the case of packaging, textiles, plastics, or consumer articles, but there are multiple methods available.

Detection and quantification limits are usually in the ppt range for water and ppb range for soil. Highly contaminated or polluted samples are more difficult to analyze, increasing the LOQ and limiting the number of laboratories where testing is available.

Expert support for PFAS method selection

Measurlabs offers a comprehensive selection of PFAS testing services for a wide range of sample materials using both standardized and in-house methods. Our experts are also happy to help you select the most appropriate testing strategy, tailored to the sample and the objectives of the analysis. Do not hesitate to contact us using the form below for more information and a quote for your testing project.