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)?
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:
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.
Helpful PFAS Resources:
PFAS FAQs:
NHDES:
US EPA:
CDC Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease (ATSDR):