How to reduce PFAS background contamination in laboratory workflows

Why background contamination is a real risk

PFAS are used in a surprising range of everyday materials—some plastics, coatings, certain field gear, and packaging. In a low-detection-limit PFAS method, trace background from the workflow itself (not the sample) can bias results, especially at low concentrations where the margin for error is small.

Common contamination sources beyond consumables

Field sampling equipment, waterproof clothing and gear, certain adhesives and tapes, some plastic packaging, and even certain sunscreens or cosmetics worn by personnel handling samples have all been documented as potential PFAS background sources in sensitive methods.

Product-level controls

PFAS-free labware, filtration, and liquid handling reduce the risk from the equipment directly touching your sample. See our PFAS-free products overview for what's available and when it matters.

Procedural controls

Field blanks, equipment blanks, and trip blanks are standard practice in rigorous PFAS sampling programs specifically to catch background contamination that product substitution alone won't address. If your method has a prescribed QC blank scheme, following it matters more than any single product choice.

Documentation and traceability

For audited or regulated programs, keeping a record of which PFAS-free products were used, their lot numbers, and any available supporting evidence supports defensibility of the result later. See our PFAS evidence guide for what to request and keep on file.