Enthalpy Analytical is pioneering the use of advanced technology to deliver rapid PFAS testing services with the same detection levels as current methods that employ solid phase extraction (SPE), while costing less money.
What you get
In short, you get the same sensitivity as other methods, but faster and cheaper, with the possibility of reporting up to 63 analytes.
- Fewer materials needed: Instead of costly chemicals or cartridges, samples are directly injected into the instrument with minimal preparation. Fewer materials equal lower costs.
- Smaller sample size: Five (5) mL for aqueous samples instead of 250 mL or 500 mL means no more large sample containers. Using conventional sampling, shipping containers for 20 samples can be over 50 pounds, especially with additional ice and packaging, and can easily cost hundreds of dollars to ship. Shipping 20 samples using our new DIA method will cost hundreds of dollars less.
- Reduced sample preparation time: Smaller sample sizes and fewer materials mean quicker sample preparation and reduced labor costs, which can add up quickly for SPE.
- Get your data faster: Faster sample preparation and increased sensitivity means you have your data in hand much faster.
- Savings over time: For an organization with large PFAS sampling projects, the reduced shipping and analytical cost savings will add up quickly.
Why now?
EPA Method 8327 was published four years ago using direct injection analysis for PFAS. The method was widely considered a screening method, since the LC-MS/MS systems at that time could not perform the analysis and achieve reporting limits comparable to SPE. Whether for this reason or others, the method quickly fell out of favor in most areas and was even specifically addressed in a memo by the Department of Defense that stated Method 8327 “will not meet DoD’s needs to support decision making for the DoD’s PFAS efforts”. However, DIA’s time has come at last. Aided by modern LC-MS/MS system design improvements, we can now achieve comparable reporting limits as sample analysis using traditional SPE.
Traditional PFAS Sample Preparation
The vast majority of PFAS testing to date has used solid-phase extraction (SPE) to prepare samples for analysis. SPE does two things of value in readying a sample for analysis:
- It concentrates the target analytes in the sample that are too low to be measured by most LC-MS/MS systems, and
- it removes many of the sample constituents that are not PFAS compounds but could still interfere in the analysis by LC-MS/MS.
DIA PFAS Sample Preparation – The Enthalpy Difference
With this newly developed approach, the sample can simply be spiked with stable-isotope-labeled analogs of the target analytes, diluted with methanol, and then analyzed after filtration or centrifugation without having to perform SPE. Again, this reduces time and effort, which decreases the potential for human error during preparation and lowers the cost of the analysis.
What’s next?
PFAS testing is gaining more and more attention with impending federal and state regulations that are only going to increase over time. Enthalpy is one of the few organizations with advanced technology that allows us to take an active lead in developing and refining testing methods that meet the increased need for rapid testing while having the sensitivity to detect below the ever-decreasing regulatory limits. As PFAS testing continues to evolve and we develop these techniques to support additional industries and sample types, you’ll know that you’re in good hands partnering with Enthalpy and leveraging the experience and volume of testing we’ve conducted.
For more information on this method and Enthalpy’s other PFAS testing capabilities, please reach out.
