As PFAS contamination continues to attract regulatory scrutiny across Australia and globally, the need for accurate, comprehensive testing has never been greater. Standard testing approaches can leave critical gaps in detection, potentially underestimating contamination levels and leaving organisations exposed to compliance risk. SGS Australia has responded to this challenge by significantly expanding its PFAS testing capabilities, offering one of the most extensive and rigorously validated testing suites available, covering 73 distinct compounds across a broad range of matrices.
With PFAS regulations continuing to evolve, demand for more comprehensive testing solutions is growing. Testing methodologies such as the Total Oxidisable Precursors Assay (TOPA) have been used to cover the ‘dark space’ of PFAS compounds; however, there are many instances where greater detail and accuracy are required. Some PFAS compounds may not completely or even measurably, oxidise during the TOPA process. In some cases, relying on TOPA alone could significantly underestimate the true extent of PFAS present in a sample.
With PFAS regulations continuing to evolve, demand for more comprehensive testing solutions is growing. Testing methodologies such as the Total Oxidisable Precursors Assay (TOPA) have been used to cover the ‘dark space’ of PFAS compounds; however, there are many instances where greater detail and accuracy are required. Some PFAS compounds may not completely or even measurably, oxidise during the TOPA process. In some cases, relying on TOPA alone could significantly underestimate the true extent of PFAS present in a sample.
We have expanded its PFAS testing suite to include 73 distinct compounds, determined using its standard accredited method. All compounds are validated across a wide range of soil, water and packaging matrices, for which the method is fully accredited. Examples of common but often overlooked PFAS compounds covered by this method include ether sulfonic acids (Cl-PF3ONS/Cl-PFESAs), polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters (diPAPs) and saturated and unsaturated fluorotelomer carboxylic acids (FTCAs and FTUCAs).
The suite also extends to more obscure but potentially prevalent PFAS, such as polyfluoroalkyl phosphinates (PFPis) and chlorinated perfluoroalkane sulfonates (e.g. 8Cl-PFOS). Some of these compounds, including PFPis, are typically not included in testing suites offered by other laboratories. Their inclusion in our suite enables clients to stay at the forefront of future-proof PFAS testing. For example, our extended PFAS suite includes a full range of nine cationic and zwitterionic PFAS species. These compounds are often challenging to determine, with most laboratories offering only one or two fluorotelomer betaines (FTABs) from this group.
We have validated this test method for the extensive suite down to trace and ultra-trace levels, ensuring that a broader analytical scope does not come at the expense of LORs. Accredited across a wide range of water, soil and packaging (cardboard and plastic) matrices, we support clients in maintaining reliable, high-quality PFAS analysis.
Learn more about our PFAS testing services: Environmental PFAS Sampling & Testing
Ready to discuss your PFAS testing requirements? Get in touch with us today!
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of over 100,000 dedicated professionals. With more than 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and a portfolio of trusted specialized brands, including Applied Technical Services, Brightsight, Bluesign and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN SW).
