PFAS Lab Compliance Self-Assessment

LC-MS/MS system calibrated within the last 3 months

Calibration certificates should be current and traceable.

Column dedicated exclusively to PFAS analysis

Shared columns are a primary contamination route.

PFAS-free glassware / polypropylene labware in use

Avoid PTFE, Teflon, and fluoropolymer equipment.

Solvent-blank check run before each analytical batch

To confirm no system background contamination.

Mobile phase prepared with PFAS-certified LC-MS grade solvents

Pump and autosampler seals checked for fluoropolymer contamination

Field blanks collected and analysed alongside samples

Procedural blanks included in every extraction batch

Laboratory is free from PFAS-containing materials (e.g. scotchguard, carpets, Gore-Tex)

These are documented as common airborne contamination sources.

Personnel wear non-fluorinated PPE during sample preparation

Blank contamination thresholds defined and documented in SOP

Blank results reviewed before every batch is accepted

Isotope-labelled internal standards (IS) used for all target PFAS

IS recoveries fall within laboratory acceptance criteria (typically 70–130%)

Matrix spike and matrix spike duplicate included per batch

Calibration curve R² ≥ 0.995 for all target analytes

Continuing calibration verification (CCV) run every 10 samples

Method detection limits (MDLs) calculated and documented

Reports comply with current DWI / EA reporting requirements

All target PFAS analytes listed in DWI Circular 1/2021 are covered

Results reported in correct units (ng/L) with correct significant figures

Results flagged appropriately when below LOQ or LOD

Chain of custody documentation complete for all samples

Final reports include analyst name, review sign-off, and issue date

Current, approved SOP exists for PFAS extraction and analysis

SOP reviewed and re-approved within the last 12 months

All analysts have documented training records for PFAS methods

Deviation log maintained when procedures are not followed

Corrective action procedures documented for out-of-specification results

Team is aware of current UK DWI PFAS limits (0.1 µg/L sum PFAS)

Team is aware of EU DWD 2020/2184 PFAS limits (0.5 µg/L sum)

US EPA Method 533 or 537.1 reviewed for additional guidance

Process in place to track and implement new regulatory changes

Lab is enrolled in a PFAS proficiency testing (PT) scheme