Sample preparation
Water sampling for PFAS testing
Sampling is a critical stage of PFAS testing. As these substances may be present in certain equipment and consumables, specific precautions must be taken to prevent sample contamination.
Why does PFAS sampling require special precautions?
PFAS may be present in fluoropolymers, coatings, technical textiles and non-stick products. Contact with unsuitable equipment can contaminate the sample.
Materials and consumables to avoid
Wherever possible, avoid equipment containing PTFE, Teflon or other fluoropolymers.
- fluorinated tubes or hoses;
- PTFE seals and sealing tape;
- non-stick coatings;
- bottles that have not been approved by the laboratory;
- filters containing fluorinated materials;
- consumables of unknown composition.
Sampling bottles
The bottles must be suitable for PFAS testing. The required material, volume and number of bottles depend on the list of substances to be tested and the type of water.
Do not use substitute bottles without prior approval from the laboratory.
Preparing the sampling campaign
- Define the sampling points: identify the precise location of each point and assign it a unique reference.
- Check the equipment: identify all materials that may come into contact with the sample.
- Prepare the bottles: use only containers supplied or approved by the laboratory.
- Prepare the field records: include the time, date, location and relevant observations.
- Arrange transport: organise delivery in accordance with the conditions specified by BJL Laboratoires.
Information to record in the field
- name and reference of the sampling point;
- date and time;
- name of the operator;
- type of water;
- weather conditions, where relevant;
- equipment used;
- any water treatment applied;
- any observations or anomalies identified.
Quality controls
Depending on the purpose of the campaign, blanks or other quality controls may be required to identify potential contamination associated with transport, sampling bottles or field equipment.
The number and type of controls are determined according to the context of the campaign and the required level of confidence.
Sample storage and transport
After sampling, samples must be correctly identified, protected and transported under the conditions specified by the laboratory.
- close each bottle securely;
- check the labelling;
- avoid contact with uncontrolled materials;
- comply with the specified temperature conditions;
- send the sampling record with the samples.
Prepare your PFAS sampling campaign
Before sampling, contact BJL Laboratoires to confirm the bottles, volumes, turnaround times and precautions applicable to your project.