Choosing a Certified Testing Laboratory
PFAS water testing requires specialized laboratory equipment and expertise. Not all environmental labs can test for PFAS accurately. The EPA’s National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC) and state laboratory certification programs accredit labs for specific PFAS methods. Always use a lab certified by your state for EPA PFAS drinking water methods to ensure results are legally and scientifically defensible.
Several national reference laboratories offer PFAS testing with mail-in sample kits: TestAmerica (now Eurofins), Pace Analytical, and state-certified regional labs. Prices range from $150 for a basic PFAS panel (15–20 compounds) to $350+ for comprehensive 40+ compound analysis. Turnaround times are typically 10–21 business days.
EPA Method 537.1 vs. Method 533
The two primary EPA methods for PFAS in drinking water detect overlapping but distinct sets of compounds. EPA Method 537.1 uses solid-phase extraction and LC-MS/MS to detect 18 PFAS compounds including PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFBS, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA (GenX). It has lower detection limits for long-chain PFAS but does not detect some short-chain compounds.
EPA Method 533 uses a modified extraction approach that detects a broader range of 25 PFAS including short-chain compounds (PFBA, PFPeA, PFHxA) that Method 537.1 misses. For comprehensive PFAS screening — particularly in areas near industrial PFAS users who may have discharged short-chain replacement compounds — Method 533 provides more complete coverage.
Interpreting Your Test Results
Test reports list individual PFAS concentrations in ppt (ng/L). Compare each compound’s concentration against applicable standards: EPA MCLs (4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS individually; 10 ppt for PFNA, PFHxS, HFPO-DA), the Hazard Index calculation for mixtures, and your state’s standards if stricter.
Results below detection limits (reported as