PFAS-Free Consumables For Accurate Analysis
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — including well-known compounds like PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) — are a class of synthetic chemicals derived from fluorinated hydrocarbons. Because the carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest in organic chemistry, PFAS persist indefinitely in the environment, earning them the name “forever chemicals.”
Historically incorporated into non-stick coatings, fire-resistant materials, water-repellent packaging, and pesticides, PFAS are now detectable in drinking water, soil, and biological tissue worldwide. Due to their persistence and well-documented adverse effects on human health and the environment, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established rigorous testing guidelines for PFAS across multiple sample matrices.
EPA Methods for PFAS Testing
| EPA Method | Sample Matrix | Minimum Detection Limit (MDL / Reporting Level) | Description |
| EPA 537.1 (v2.0) | Drinking water | ~2 ng/L or lower | Improved version of 537 with 18 PFAS, better QA/QC and faster workflow; widely used for regulatory compliance |
| EPA 533 (2019) | Drinking water | ~1–5 ng/L | Uses isotope dilution + anion exchange SPE; optimized for short-chain PFAS not well captured in 537.1 |
| EPA 8327 | Non-potable water (groundwater, wastewater, etc.) | ~10–100 ng/L (method dependent) | “Dilute-and-shoot” LC-MS/MS method; faster but less sensitive than drinking water methods; external calibration |
| EPA 1633 | Multi-matrix (water, soil, sediment, biosolids, tissue) | ~1–10 ng/L (matrix dependent) |
Most comprehensive method (~40 PFAS); designed for CERCLA / environmental investigations; multi-matrix capability |
As analytical methods become more sensitive — routinely reaching detection limits in the parts-per-trillion (ppt) range — the risk of contamination from laboratory consumables becomes a critical concern. Even trace levels of PFAS introduced by sample preparation materials can compromise results at these concentrations.
PFAS are commonly present in:
- Tubing and seals (e.g., PTFE)
- Filters and Membranes
- Sample containers and caps
- Laboratory environments
Even trace contamination can lead to:
- False positives
- Failed QA/QC criteria
- Compromised regulatory compliance
Sterlitech PFAS-Free Sample Preparation Products
Sterlitech provides sample preparation products that support contamination free workflow. Our PFAS-Free Syringe Filters, PFAS-Free Membrane Filters, and PFAS-Free Syringeless Vials are made from raw materials manufactured free of PFAS Contamination.
| Syringe Filters | ||
| Membrane Material | Pore Size (um) | Diameter (mm) |
| PES | 0.22, 0.45 | 13, 25, 33 |
| Nylon | 0.22, 0.45 | 13, 25, 33 |
| Regenerated Cellulose | 0.22, 0.45 | 13, 25 |
| Cellulose Acetate | 0.2, 0.45, 0.8, 1.2, 5.0 | 13, 25 |
| Glass Fiber | 0.45, 0.7, 1.0, 1.2, 3.1 | 25 |
| Membrane Filters | ||
| Material | Pore Size (um) | Diameter (mm) |
| PES | 0.2, 0.45 | 47 |
| Nylon | 0.2, 0.45 | 47 |
Control Contamination by Reducing Steps in Your Sample Preparation Workflow
Separa® filter vials combine the function of a syringe filter and an autosampler vial in one by integrating a membrane in the cap, removing the use of syringes in syringe filtration. Its compact design and compatibility with UHPLC and HPLC Autosamplers reduce contamination from subsequent transfer of the sample container to a syringe, through a syringe filter to be dispensed in an autosampler vial.
Traditional Filtration using a Syringe Filter
- Fill the syringe with the sample
- Attach the syringe filter (luer lock connection)
- Push the plunger to filter into an autosampler vial
- Cap the vial for HPLC analysis
Each transfer step introduces potential contamination.
Syringeless Filtration using Separa®
Sterlitech PFAS-Free products are designed to help laboratories maintain compliance with stringent EPA regulatory standards, by reducing false positives, and improving analytical confidence.
As PFAS testing regulations continue to evolve, choosing the right products is becoming an analytical necessity. Request a quote today for Sterlitech PFAS-Free products.
