PFAS Testing Services

In 2020, ARA became the first and only NH-based laboratory certified to test drinking water samples for Per–and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in New Hampshire, and is now certified for PFAS analysis in MA, ME, NH, RI, & VT.

Our typical PFAS analysis turnaround time, TAT is 10 business days.

*Contact the lab for current TAT information

*Rush TAT may be available for an additional fee

We perform your PFAS analysis on site at our lab in Portsmouth, NH (no subcontracting fees).

What are Per–and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)?

Click to read PFAS FAQs.

PFAS firefighting foam image via ARA

ARA provides Laboratory Analytical Services to identify and quantify PFAS in environmental samples for municipalities, state agencies, industrial clients and homeowners throughout New England.

ARA is certified for PFAS analysis in drinking water by EPA methods 537.1 and 533.

We also offer PFAS via LC-MS/MS (isotope dilution) for groundwater or other water samples (not for drinking water compliance).

Our "modified 533" option for PFAS analysis via LC-MS/MS, uses quantitation by isotope dilution employing a solid phase extraction (SPE), followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the determination of select per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in non-potable water matrices.

PFAS Regulation is currently being evaluated by the EPA.

State PFAS rules and limits will remain in effect until further notice.

Visit individual state websites for current regulatory limits.

The MCL information in this chart is accurate as of 4/2023:

PFAS mcls in New England

ARA's scientists and partners are committed to staying on top of the latest scientific information, methods, limits and changes, so that you can focus on your projects knowing you have the best PFAS resource in your corner. If you have any questions about PFAS testing or how to test for PFAS, give us a call or send an email today.

ARA provides PFAS testing for the following compound lists

EPA Method 537.1 (18 compounds):

HFPO-DA 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-
(heptafluoropropoxy) propanoic acid (GenX acid)
NEtFOSAA N-ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid
NMeFOSAA N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid
PFBS Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid
PFDA Perfluorodecanoic acid
PFDoA Perfluorododecanoic acid
PFHpA Perfluoroheptanoic acid
PFHxS Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid
PFHxA Perfluorohexanoic acid
PFNA Perfluorononanoic acid
PFOS Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid
PFOA Perfluorooctanoic acid
PFTeA (PFTeDA, PFTA) Perfluorotetradecanoic acid
PFTRIA Perfluorotridecanoic acid
PFUnA Perfluoroundecanoic acid
11Cl-PF3OUdS 11-chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid
9Cl-PF3ONS 9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanone-1-sulfonic acid
ADONA 4,8-dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid

EPA Method 533 (25 compounds):

11Cl-PF3OUdS 11-chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid
9Cl-PF3ONS 9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanone-1-sulfonic acid
HFPODA 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-(heptafluoropropoxy) propanoic acid (GenX acid)
PFBS Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid
PFDA Perfluorodecanoic acid
PFDoA Perfluorododecanoic acid
ADONA 4,8-dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid
42FTS 4:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid
PFHpA Perfluoroheptanoic acid
PFHxS Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid
PFHxA Perfluorohexanoic acid
PFNA Perfluorononanoic acid
PFOS Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid
PFOA Perfluorooctanoic acid
62FTS 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid
82FTS 8:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid
PFUnA Perfluoroundecanoic acid
NFDHA Nonafluoro-3,6-dioxaheptanoic acid
PFBA perfluorobutanoic acid
PFEESA perfluoro(2-ethoxyethane)sulfonic acid
PFHPS perfluoroheptane sulfonic acid
PFMPA perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid
PFMBA Perfluoro-4-methoxybutanoic acid
PFPA perfluoropentanoic acid
PFPES perfluoropentane sulfonic acid

LC-MS/MS (isotope dilution) Method (29 compounds)

this method is used for groundwater and other water samples

(not for drinking water compliance):

11CLPF3OUDS 11-chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid
42FTS 4:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid
62FTS 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid
82FTS 8:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid
9CLPF3ONS 9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanone-1-sulfonic acid
ADONA 4,8-dioxa-3h-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA acid)
FOSA perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA)
HFPODA 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-(heptafluoropropoxy)propanoic acid (GenX acid)
NETFOSAA n-ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamido acetic acid
NMEFOSA n-methyl perfluorooctane sulfonamide
NMEFOSAA n-methylperfluorooctane sulfonamido acetic acid
PFBA perfluorobutanoic acid
PFBS perfluorobutane sulfonic acid
PFDA perfluorodecanoic acid
PFDOA perfluorododecanoic acid
PFDS perfluorodecane sulfonic acid
PFHPA perfluoroheptanoic acid
PFHPS perfluoroheptane sulfonic acid
PFHXA perfluorohexanoic acid
PFHXS perfluorohexane sulfonic acid
PFNA perfluorononanoic acid
PFNS perfluorononanesulfonic acid
PFOA perfluorooctanoic acid
PFOS perfluorooctane sulfonic acid
PFPA perfluoropentanoic acid
PFPES perfluoropentane sulfonic acid
PFTEA perfluorotetradecanoic acid
PFTRIA perfluorotridecanoic acid
PFUNA perfluoroundecanoic acid

Click Here to View PFAS compound list with Chemical

Abstracts Service Registry Number (CASRN)

Sampling Notes:

Sample integrity is of the utmost importance when collecting PFAS samples.

Please help avoid trace or cross contamination of PFAS by adhering to the guidelines set forth by your state environmental services department, and the instructions provided by your lab.

Never use "Blue Ice" / gel refrigerants / cold packs to chill PFAS samples. Always chill PFAS samples with real ice.

Please note: 
ARA is a New Hampshire-based lab, and we are not certified to accept drinking water samples outside of New England. ARA is certified in MA, ME, NH, RI, & VT

Not everyone needs to test for PFAS. Follow your state or town water testing guidelines. If you are near a contaminated site, or have a specific concern, you can and should request additional testing.

The EPA encourages everyone with a private well to test their drinking water regularly, regardless of what’s going on in the news.

If you have concerns about PFAS or would like to know how to test your water for PFAS contact ARA with questions.