Where Can I Find a PFAS Testing Lab?

What is a PFAS testing lab?

A PFAS testing lab is a specialized facility that analyzes samples of water, soil, sediment, or biological tissues for the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These labs use established analytical methods that are often validated by agencies such as the EPA or the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The scientists and technicians operating in these facilities use sophisticated instruments, including mass spectrometers, to identify PFAS at extremely low concentrations.

PFAS labs play a unique role in the environmental testing and health monitoring landscape by focusing on chemicals that many standard laboratories may not be equipped to detect. Not all commercial labs offer PFAS testing because it requires rigorous quality controls, validated analytical methods, and specialized equipment. Many labs that test for PFAS must also handle sensitive sample matrices, such as drinking water or tissue samples, in a controlled environment to prevent cross-contamination. This level of precision assures clients that results genuinely reflect the sample’s PFAS content rather than external factors.

We understand that speed is often paramount for individuals and organizations awaiting PFAS test results. Laboratories like ALS have taken steps to provide quicker turnaround times, commonly 10 days for standard water, soil, and sediment samples. This streamlined process can be critical if you suspect unsafe PFAS levels in your home or workplace. For more complicated or highly contaminated samples, testing can require additional steps and lead to longer wait times.

Ultimately, a PFAS testing laboratory helps confirm or rule out the presence of these “forever chemicals.” Such confirmation is central to developing an effective remediation plan, pursuing legal or insurance claims, or informing public health decisions.

What types of PFAS can be detected?

PFAS is a broad chemical family comprising thousands of compounds, each with slightly different chemical structures. The most widely known members include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), but there are others such as perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and newer replacements known as short-chain PFAS. Each of these chemicals exhibits strong carbon-fluorine bonds, making them resistant to natural degradation.

Many PFAS testing labs can detect a suite of PFAS compounds, often numbering 20 or more, in a single sample analysis. According to the EPA, methods like EPA Method 537.1 (Version 2.0) and EPA Method 533 can accurately identify and measure 29 different PFAS in drinking water. These methods have strict parameters for sample handling, extraction, and instrument calibration, ensuring data consistency from one lab to another. Although some labs may limit their scope to PFOS and PFOA alone, more comprehensive facilities can test for additional PFAS that regulators or researchers are increasingly monitoring.

In 2024, the U.S. EPA finalized the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for six PFAS compounds. These guidelines represent the first legally enforceable federal drinking-water standards for PFAS in over two decades, reflecting the growing consensus among scientists and policymakers that these chemicals pose significant risks. The list of regulated PFAS may expand as new data emerges, especially given ongoing research linking more PFAS variants to adverse effects such as immunotoxicity and various cancers.

Some labs also maintain capacity to detect newly emerging or less-studied PFAS that regulators have not yet categorized. This capability can be beneficial for communities and industries aiming to stay ahead of shifting legal requirements. Many times, major regulatory changes occur at both international and national levels. The European Union, for instance, is moving toward a comprehensive ban on at least 10,000 PFAS compounds by 2030. As regulations evolve, testing labs often adapt by adding new compounds to their test panels.

What samples can be tested for PFAS?

Most recognized PFAS testing labs handle a variety of sample types. That range extends beyond drinking water, as PFAS contamination can originate from industrial sites, firefighting foam usage areas, or consumer product disposal. The choice of sample depends on your specific concerns, whether you suspect PFAS in your home’s tap water or worry about soil contamination near a former industrial facility.

Drinking water

Drinking water is one of the most commonly tested matrices for PFAS because of the direct impact on human health. Labs that conduct tests on drinking water often follow EPA-approved methods such as EPA Method 537.1 and EPA Method 533. It is possible for these facilities to detect low parts per trillion (ppt) concentrations of PFAS, which is crucial because even small amounts can be significant. Some states in the United States have their own stricter guidelines, so your lab might tailor its approach to comply with those regional requirements.

If you worry your tap water might contain PFAS, performing a water test is a practical first step before you invest in filtration solutions or consider larger-scale actions. Frequent references to contaminated municipal water supplies continue to emerge across the country, prompting many residents to conduct individual tests. As a result, PFAS in drinking water is an area of active regulatory focus, as illustrated by an increasing number of states adopting maximum contaminant levels that are stricter than federal standards.

Soil and sediment

In areas with a history of industrial use or where firefighting foam has been applied, PFAS can accumulate in soil and sediment. This not only creates local environmental issues but also can lead to secondary contamination in nearby water sources. PFAS can migrate from soil into groundwater and sometimes resurface in drinking water supplies or farmland. Testing labs deploy specialized extraction techniques to obtain PFAS from solid matrices, preparing them for analysis using the same instrumentation employed for water samples.

Monitoring soil and sediment is particularly valuable if you suspect contamination near manufacturing sites, airports, or military bases. Comprehensive soil analysis can help you gauge whether PFAS is seeping toward residential areas or agricultural fields. Understanding contamination levels in soil can also guide decisions about remediation, such as removing topsoil or employing advanced treatment technologies.

Groundwater and surface water

Laboratories commonly collect groundwater samples from wells, especially in places where residents rely on well water for drinking or irrigation. PFAS infiltration often begins at or near industrial or landfill sites, migrating slowly through subsurface pathways. Testing groundwater samples can detect the presence of PFAS before it enters public or private wells, giving communities time to adopt mitigation measures.

Surface water, such as rivers or lakes, can also become contaminated if PFAS-containing wastewater is discharged upstream. Where fishing or recreational activities take place, high PFAS levels could pose health risks to those consuming fish. Therefore, a PFAS testing lab can determine whether these activities should be curtailed or if additional filtration measures are warranted at local water treatment facilities. Given that PFAS remains persistent over time, recurring tests can track whether concentrations are decreasing, stable, or rising.

Blood and biological samples (specialized labs only)

Certain specialized labs also analyze blood, breast milk, or other biological samples for PFAS. This type of testing can offer insight into someone’s “body burden,” or how much PFAS has accumulated in their body. These results might prove relevant if you or someone in your household experiences health issues consistent with known PFAS-related risks. The data can potentially inform medical decisions or legal claims.

Biological testing is typically more expensive and complex than environmental testing. Labs must follow specific protocols, often relaying results to health professionals who can interpret them in a clinical context. The time required for such testing may also exceed normal turnaround times. Nonetheless, blood tests can be a powerful tool in understanding personal exposure levels and linking potential health outcomes to specific sources of PFAS contamination.

How to find a certified PFAS testing lab near you

Locating a PFAS testing facility depends on your geographic region, budget, and the type of sample you need analyzed. Start by checking official resources from your state environmental agency or your local health department. They often maintain lists of accredited laboratories that meet federal and state guidelines for PFAS testing. Some states also require labs seeking accreditation to demonstrate competence in specific methods, such as EPA Method 537.1.

Online resources can help as well. Platforms like ContractLaboratory.com have directories of specialized testing facilities equipped to handle PFAS analysis in drinking water, soil, consumer products, or biological samples. You can filter labs by location or certification. Certain labs accept samples by mail, so you are not necessarily limited to local facilities. Although you may need to follow precise instructions for packaging and shipping samples, a remote lab could be a good fit if you do not have nearby options.

Word of mouth and professional networks can also guide you toward a reputable PFAS testing lab. Environmental consultants, private well inspectors, and regulatory agencies may suggest providers they trust. In some cases, you can rely on experts who work specifically in PFAS mitigation or remediation. Asking about their testing partners can help you find a lab that produces reliable data.

We recommend assessing factors such as the lab’s accreditation status, typical turnaround times, and the breadth of PFAS they can detect. Reviews or references from past clients can indicate how well the facility communicates results and whether they provide transparent, consistent data. Before you finalize your selection, confirm the lab’s sample submission guidelines and talk with them about cost estimates. Maintaining good communication ensures that your samples are collected, shipped, and tested with minimal risk of contamination or delays.

What certifications should a PFAS lab have?

Certification requirements vary depending on the country or state. Still, certain baseline qualifications are nearly universal. For example, labs performing PFAS analysis are often accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, which outlines standards for testing and calibration laboratories. ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation confirms that a lab has documented quality control protocols, validated methods, trained staff, and regularly calibrated equipment.

In the United States, many states operate their own certification programs for drinking-water compliance testing. If you are testing a public water system, you must typically use a lab holding state certification for that specific method. The PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR), finalized by the EPA in 2024, requires states to certify labs for PFAS analysis. This ensures that laboratories collecting compliance data meet rigid quality standards, especially for analyzing PFOA and PFOS levels.

Apart from ISO and state-level programs, some labs hold certifications from other relevant agencies such as the Department of Defense (DOD). For DOD-related work, labs might adhere to the performance criteria in methods like DOD AFFF01, which specifically addresses PFAS detection in firefighting foam. Regardless of formal certifications, it is prudent to check the lab’s track record of consistent performance in proficiency tests or inter-laboratory comparisons. Such performance testing helps verify that data remains reproducible and accurate across multiple labs.

Are there at-home PFAS test kits?

At-home PFAS test kits have emerged on the market, offering a convenient way for homeowners to screen their drinking water. These kits typically involve collecting a water sample, sealing it properly, and sending it to a remote lab for testing. Some kits include instructions and the packaging required for safe shipment, making the process relatively simple even for those with no prior testing experience.

Although at-home kits promise an accessible first step, the resulting data can be limited in scope. You need to consider whether the test kit screens for the broad range of PFAS you may be concerned about. In many cases, the kit might test for only a small panel of compounds. Sensitivity levels also differ, so if you need results accepted by regulatory bodies or for legal actions, confirm that the lab analyzing your kit is certified to use EPA-endorsed methods.

We suggest using an at-home PFAS kit only as an initial indicator, especially if you suspect contamination but cannot readily access a local certified lab. If preliminary results point to a potential problem, more formal testing at a fully accredited PFAS testing lab will offer greater certainty. This approach can ensure you receive the detailed information required for regulatory or legal proceedings.

How long does PFAS testing take?

We frequently hear from individuals who want quick results to confirm or rule out PFAS contamination. Many certified labs strive to provide a 10-day turnaround time for water, soil, and sediment samples. ALS, for instance, has streamlined processes and expanded its instrumentation capacity to meet increasing demand for PFAS tests in under two weeks. This time frame is typical when dealing with standard samples that comply with established methods and do not present unusual matrix challenges.

Contaminated or non-standard samples, such as those laden with high levels of PFAS or containing complex chemicals, may take longer. The lab might need extra time for specialized preparation or additional steps to ensure accuracy. Blood and biological samples, which require more attention to sample handling and extraction, can also extend the testing timeline. If you need expedited results, you can often discuss an additional fee with the lab to prioritize your samples.

Consistent communication with the lab is essential if you have pressing deadlines, such as an urgent public health concern, a real-estate transaction, or a legal filing. That way, you can manage expectations and adjust your plans based on a realistic timeline. Most accredited facilities have customer support to track your sample’s progress and advise you on any unexpected processing delays.

How much does PFAS testing cost?

The cost of PFAS testing varies based on factors such as the number of compounds included, the sample type, and the laboratory’s level of analysis. A standard drinking-water test might cost a few hundred dollars. More specialized or expedited tests can run higher, potentially nearing four figures when broad-scope analyses or quick turnaround times are involved. Biological testing for PFAS, which is more complex, may also command premium fees.

We encourage you to request a detailed quote that outlines the test scope, turnaround time, and any additional services, like sample kits or in-depth interpretation of results. Some labs bundle services into fixed-price packages, while others provide itemized costs for each step of the process. State or federal grants may subsidize PFAS testing in certain projects, especially for public water systems.

Whether you are an individual concerned about your home or a municipality exploring contamination on a larger scale, confirm what the quoted cost includes. For instance, does the package cover shipping and sample bottles or only the lab analysis? This transparency can help you compare quotes from multiple labs. Look for details about volume discounts if you plan to test multiple samples simultaneously.

Can PFAS test results be used in legal or insurance claims?

Test results from a reputable PFAS testing lab often hold weight in legal or insurance proceedings. They can support claims how PFAS contamination caused or contributed to property damage, health issues, or other losses. For instance, if a drinking water supply surpasses state or federal regulatory thresholds, homeowners could present test data in insurance or property disputes. In some cases, they might also explore legal action against polluters or product manufacturers responsible for releasing PFAS into the environment.

To be admissible as evidence, test results must originate from a certified laboratory that follows approved methods, and the sampling process must reflect a proper chain of custody. Courts and insurers typically require proof that no contamination occurred during sampling, transport, or analysis. In other words, your legal team may scrutinize the details: who collected the sample, how it was stored, and whether it arrived at the lab intact.

Data quality is often paramount. If the lab’s methods lack accreditation or deviate from standard protocols, defendants might challenge the credibility of the results. For this reason, working with a recognized PFAS testing lab can substantially strengthen your position. You might also want to cross-reference your sample analysis with broader documentation, such as local contamination surveys or official reports from environmental agencies. In certain litigations, class actions or multi-plaintiff lawsuits may hinge on aggregated test results from multiple sites, reinforcing the significance of widely recognized, consistent data.

We also see some claims tied to health impacts, especially when individuals can demonstrate PFAS exposure levels. In these scenarios, evidence of elevated PFAS concentrations in blood or drinking water can form part of a larger argument about negligence or harm. If you are navigating or contemplating a PFAS lawsuit, consider visiting the PFAS page to learn about free case reviews and how test data can strengthen your claim.

What to do if your test comes back positive

A positive PFAS test result can feel overwhelming, but understanding your next steps can help you make informed decisions. First, review the level of PFAS found and compare it to applicable regulatory guidelines. Federal and state agencies set different maximum contaminant levels, so context is important. If your concentration exceeds these guidelines, consider working with a professional to determine your options for remediation or additional testing.

For drinking water, installing or upgrading filtration systems is often the most immediate measure. Certain filtration methods, such as granular activated carbon or reverse osmosis, can reduce PFAS concentrations. You can learn more about strategies like these in our guides on pfas water filter or does reverse osmosis remove pfas. Some homeowners also opt for bottled water until they have a confirmed solution in place.

If you suspect or confirm health effects tied to PFAS, speak with your healthcare provider. Document your symptoms and consider further medical tests. You may also wish to consult resources on pfas health effects for more details about potential risks. If you choose to explore a lawsuit or insurance claim, professional legal counsel can advise you on the qualifications needed. You might find further guidance on how PFAS contamination can affect liability and potential compensation by visiting pfas liability.

Collecting all relevant documentation, such as lab reports and any communication with environmental consultants, can be another powerful step. You will want to keep thorough records should you proceed with a claim. If you decide to do so, a lawyer might help connect your PFAS test results with broader settlement negotiations or trial strategies. Overall, while a positive test result signals potential risk, it also serves as a prompt to take concrete action and protect your health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is PFAS?

PFAS refers to a family of human-made chemicals that resist heat, water, and oil. They do not naturally degrade, leading to accumulation in the environment and possible human health risks. You can learn more at what is pfas.

How often should I test for PFAS?

Frequency depends on context. If you are in a known contamination zone, annual testing might be wise. If your area has minimal reported issues, testing every few years or after major events (like floods) could be sufficient.

Are consumer products also a source of PFAS?

Yes. PFAS are widely used in firefighting foam, food packaging, and water-resistant clothing. To learn more, see pfas in products.

Can a water filter remove PFAS from tap water?

Certain filters, including reverse osmosis and activated carbon systems, can reduce PFAS. However, effectiveness varies, so you should confirm performance with lab testing after installation.

Should I file a lawsuit if PFAS testing shows high contamination?

Legal action is a personal decision. If you experience health issues or property damage due to PFAS, you could potentially file a claim.