Posted on Sep 25, 2024
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic "forever chemicals" used in various industries around the globe since the mid-20th century. Known for their resistance to water, oil, and heat, PFAS are found in a wide range of products, from non-stick cookware to firefighting foams. PFAS has been found more recently in drinking water, food packaging, and prepackaged foods. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and in groundwater. From there, they make their way into the body and accumulate over time. Accumulating these compounds could have potential health impacts, which has raised significant societal concerns.
Governments and health organizations worldwide are taking steps to regulate and reduce PFAS exposure by curbing the usage of products and substances that have been identified to contain PFAS. Widespread testing of drinking water and food items using specified methods is being conducted to assess our surroundings and minimize exposure by awareness.
PFAS in Human Serum – What it means to us
Studies have shown that PFAS can be detected in the serum of nearly all individuals, indicating widespread exposure. The concentration of PFAS in human serum can vary based on factors such as age, diet, and geographic location. Reports have been found to mention that PFAs have been detected in >98% of the US population, which brings into perspective the gravity of the current situation. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) has been measuring PFAS levels in the U.S. population since 1999. Although levels of some PFAS, like PFOS and PFOA, have declined due to regulatory actions, other PFAS continue to be detected. There is a significant focus on understanding the impact of PFAS on the human body and multiple clinical studies are currently being conducted globally to better understand the link between PFAS exposure and accumulation in the body to corresponding health outcomes. However, although blood tests can measure PFAS levels, interpreting these results in terms of health effects remains a challenge and will require more research in the future to directly link exposure to specific risks.
Measuring PFAS in Serum – Phenomenex’s role
The current state of clinical research on PFAS in human serum is focused on understanding and directly correlating PFAS exposure to health outcomes. In this effort, a method called biomonitoring, measuring PFAS accumulation in the human body is an indispensable tool. The most sensitive method that is most widely used in biomonitoring of PFAS in serum is LC-MS/MS. Phenomenex is perfectly positioned to be the pioneer in this field of LC-MS/MS mediated PFAS detection and quantitation with a comprehensive portfolio of products accompanied by multiple applications, case studies, and technical notes that can guide users on the nuances of biomonitoring techniques using LC-MS/MS.
At Phenomenex, we realize the importance of making this information available to our customers to support their research and method development efforts so they can create high-quality, cost-effective, and sustainable workflows. Please visit our PFAS page to discover our full range of solutions for PFAS analysis.
Related content for immediate download
Technical Notes:
Fast, Efficient LC-MS/MS Analysis of PFAS for Clinical Research Using Microelution SPE
Reducing PFAS Interferences During Human Plasma and Serum Analysis with Accurate Mass Spectrometry
Designed for PFAS Complete Portfolio - Brochure
