Top Challenges in PFAS Analysis (And How to Solve Them)
Accurate PFAS data is more important than ever. As regulatory scrutiny, consumer expectations and litigation risks continue to rise, organizations are under pressure to understand exactly what per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are present in their products, materials and waste streams. But as demand for PFAS laboratory analysis grows, so do the challenges.
From analytical limitations to regulatory complexity, companies are discovering that obtaining reliable, defensible PFAS data isn’t always straightforward. Keep reading to explore the top challenges in PFAS testing—and what you can do to overcome them.
The Purpose of PFAS Analysis
PFAS compounds—short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—are increasingly under scrutiny due to their persistence in the environment, resistance to degradation and potential links to adverse human health effects. These “forever chemicals” are now the subject of growing concern across industries, regulatory agencies and the public.
In response, governments at the state, federal and international levels are introducing new regulations, while consumers are demanding PFAS-free products and greater supply chain transparency. At the same time, PFAS contamination is driving a surge in lawsuits, legal judgments and costly enforcement actions.
In this environment, PFAS analysis has become a critical tool for organizations that need to understand and manage their PFAS risks. Whether you're sampling for PFAS in drinking water sources, testing consumer goods, assessing industrial waste streams or managing PFAS in biosolids, high-quality PFAS laboratory analysis is essential to:
- Achieve regulatory compliance with current and emerging analytical methods.
- Provide credible, defensible answers to stakeholders, including customers, investors, certifiers and regulators.
- Support a legal defense strategy in the face of liability claims or environmental enforcement.
Robust PFAS testing helps companies make informed decisions about product stewardship, support compliance efforts and guide mitigation strategies related to product safety and potential PFAS contamination. It’s not just about data—it’s about business resilience.
What Makes PFAS Analysis So Challenging?
PFAS laboratory testing remains one of the most technically demanding areas of analytical chemistry. These compounds are chemically stable, present in extremely low concentrations and often exist in complex materials that require customized extraction and detection methods. With limited EPA-approved test methods and a high risk of cross-contamination, accurate results demand specialized equipment, stringent controls and deep technical expertise. Companies seeking PFAS laboratory analysis face persistent challenges in finding a qualified laboratory partner.
Some of these challenges include:
- High demand and limited lab capacity: As regulatory requirements expand, the volume of PFAS testing has surged, often outpacing the capacity of qualified PFAS analysis labs. This mismatch leads to long turnaround times, delays in decision-making and difficulty securing lab availability for time-sensitive projects.
- A limited number of EPA-approved test methods: Currently, only a handful of EPA methods—such as method 537.1 and 533—have been validated for PFAS detection in drinking water. While final methods like 1633 are beginning to address non-potable water, soil, sediments and biosolids, many use cases still lack standardized, approved analytical methods, leaving labs to adapt or develop their own protocols for PFAS sampling.
- Lack of PFAS analytical methods for complex, man-made materials: Analyzing PFAS in consumer products, multilayered packaging, treated textiles and industrial waste often requires new method development and validation, since no EPA-approved tests exist for these complex matrices. These materials may contain multiple layers or components, each requiring different sample preparation strategies to isolate PFAS compounds accurately.
- Requires advanced instrumentation and expertise: Detecting PFAS compounds—especially at the parts-per-trillion detection limits often required for compliance—demands sophisticated instrumentation like liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Just as important is the need for PFAS experts who understand the nuances of different environmental matrices, follow strict QA/QC protocols, and can interpret results within the context of regulatory compliance, risk mitigation or litigation support.
Top Challenges in PFAS Analysis
Here are four of the most common challenges in testing for PFAS, and what to look for in a laboratory partner to overcome them.
1. The Sheer Number of PFAS Compounds
There are thousands of known PFAS compounds, and new ones are still being developed and identified. These substances vary widely in their chemical properties, toxicology and behavior in different matrices. Many PFAS have not been fully characterized or cataloged, which makes comprehensive detection and identification difficult, especially in non-targeted analysis or exploratory testing.
What to do: Work with a PFAS laboratory analysis partner that maintains a robust PFAS reference library. For example, Battelle’s library includes more than 600 PFAS compounds, supporting more accurate identification across a broad range of materials and environmental samples.
2. Complex Matrices
Testing water is one thing. Testing complex, manufactured or mixed materials is another. Matrices like coated packaging, biosolids, textiles, industrial byproducts or air emissions present unique challenges due to their non-homogeneous composition. These require customized sample preparation, extraction and sometimes even new method development and validation to generate reliable results.
What to do: Choose a lab with experience analyzing a wide range of environmental matrices and manufactured products, not just drinking water. Ask whether they’ve developed methods for non-standard sample types and how they ensure accuracy when standard EPA methods don’t apply.
3. Extremely Low Detection Limits
Many state and federal regulations now require PFAS detection at parts-per-trillion levels. Meeting these detection limits consistently pushes the limits of even the most advanced instrumentation. Without the right technology and QA/QC systems, labs may struggle to generate data that meets data quality objectives for compliance, certification or litigation.
What to do: Partner with a PFAS testing laboratory equipped with high-sensitivity instrumentation, like LC-MS/MS, and a proven ability to deliver quantifiable results at ultra-trace levels. Ask for documentation on their QA/QC protocols and performance metrics.
4. Risk of Sample Cross-Contamination
PFAS is everywhere—literally. From sampling containers and lab equipment to office supplies and personal care products, many everyday materials can introduce PFAS contamination into samples. This makes strict contamination control essential at every stage, from surface water sampling and transport to extraction and analysis.
What to do: Find a laboratory that follows industry best practices for PFAS contamination control, including strict lab hygiene protocols, PFAS-free materials and internal blank testing. A lab’s contamination control process should be transparent and well-documented.
Battelle: Your Partner In PFAS Testing
Battelle brings nearly 20 years of experience at the leading edge of PFAS research, testing and method development. We’ve helped clients across industries navigate everything from routine water sampling to complex supply chain analysis, offering:
- Full-spectrum PFAS laboratory analysis across standard and challenging sample types.
- A proprietary PFAS compound library with more than 600 analytes for accurate identification.
- Deep expertise in EPA-approved analytical methods and method development for non-standard matrices.
- Strategic consultation to help you interpret results and plan the right next steps.
From sample preparation to regulatory reporting, Battelle helps you get the data you need, with the clarity and confidence to act on it.
Want to know more? Download our white paper to learn more about PFAS testing strategies, method selection, and how to get reliable results across any matrix: A Strategic Approach to PFAS Analysis.
Related Blogs
BATTELLE UPDATES
Receive updates from Battelle for an all-access pass to the incredible work of Battelle researchers.