The Future of PFAS Testing: Regulations, Innovation, and Contamination Mitigation

This roundtable discussion highlights regulatory scrutiny and trends around PFAS as well as real-world laboratory solutions. As regulatory scrutiny around PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) continues to intensify, laboratories face growing challenges in achieving accurate, low-level detection. Analytical methods have become more sensitive and complex, while regulators demand consistent, defensible data to guide environmental and public health policies. This expert-led roundtable explores the historical evolution of PFAS methods?from early protocols to current EPA 1633 and ASTM standards?and their impact on today?s testing environment. We examine the regulatory trends shaping method adoption, the technical barriers labs must overcome (such as background contamination and instrument sensitivity), and how purpose-designed solutions?PFAS low background consumables?are essential for ensuring data integrity. As PFAS contamination can originate from the very materials used in sample collection and analysis, using certified low-background consumables has become a critical step in achieving reliable results. The discussion also highlights real-world laboratory solutions, including platforms from SCIEX and others, and explores future innovations in sample preparation?for example, solid phase extraction (SPE)?and MS platform enhancements. Whether you're responsible for PFAS method development, compliance, or lab operations, this session will provide the practical and strategic insights needed to stay ahead in a rapidly shifting regulatory and analytical landscape.