PFAS Testing Services

Per–and Polyfluoroalkyl substances, known by many acronyms (PFOA, PFOS, C-8, now collectively being referred to as PFAS and "Forever Chemicals") are present in many common commercial and household items, including nonstick kitchenware, fabrics, cosmetics, firefighting foam, and more. 

DoD facilities, chemical plants and fire stations are where most PFAS investigations have been focused, but with the CDC indicating that measurable levels of PFAS are likely found in the bloodstream of every  American, and concerning health effects still being studied, many PFAS experts say we’ve only scratched the surface of this issue.

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, how to test for PFAS, or where PFAS is found, give us a call or send an email today. ARA is your resource for NH PFAS testing. 

ARA provides drinking water analysis for PFAS via method 537.1, as well as testing for PFAS by LC-MS/MS, using quantitation by isotope dilution. This method employs 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 both potable and non-potable water matrices.

ARA provides PFAS testing for the following compounds:

Click Here to View this list with the Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number (CASRN)

• 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 
• PFTA  Perfluorotetradecanoic acid 
• PFTrDA  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

Please note: Sample integrity is of the utmost importance when collecting your PFAS samples. Please help avoid trace or cross contamination of PFAS by adhering to the guidelines set forth by your state environmental services department. The NHDES PFAS sampling guidelines can be found here:    

https://www.des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/documents/pfas-sample-guidance-201611.pdf  

Residential customers please note: ARA is a New Hampshire-based lab, and we are not certified to accept drinking water samples outside of New England. If you are not within a reasonable driving distance of our lab in Portsmouth, NH, please visit the Department of Environmental Services website for your state to find a certified lab in your geographical area.

If you want to know how to test for PFAS in water or would like a PFAS Testing Kit, contact ARA with questions. 

Not everyone needs to test for PFAS. You should follow your state’s water testing guidelines, and only if you are near a contaminated site, or have a specific concern, you should test for those additional items as well. As always, ARA encourages everyone with a private well to test their water every few years as a rule of thumb, 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 (PFOA, PFOS, C8, etc.), contact ARA with questions. 

PFAS are a class of man-made chemicals which have been widely used to make products more stain-resistant, waterproof and/or nonstick, such as:

• non-stick cookware
• stain-resistant furniture, carpets, clothing
• waterproof shoes, clothing, mattresses
• non-stick food packaging
• firefighting foam