SimpleLab Guide to PFAS Testing: Find the Right Test
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large class of persistent synthetic chemicals being monitored and regulated by the EPA and other government agencies. The only accurate and reliable way to measure specific or total PFAS compounds in water, soil, food, and packaging materials is through laboratory testing.
SimpleLab offers a range of mail-to-lab PFAS test kits designed for specific sample types and analytical methods. Each kit makes professional testing simple: no specialized training, no field instruments, and no guesswork.
Table of Contents:
- How Do You Test for PFAS?
- Finding the Right SimpleLab Test
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Why SimpleLab?
How Do You Test for PFAS?
Testing for PFAS requires laboratory analysis using EPA methods. Because PFAS can be present at extremely low concentrations and are easily contaminated by common household items, certain precautions must be taken when sampling. These are fully explained in the kit instructions. PFAS do not react with indicators, so DIY test strips do not exist. Furthermore, PFAS field kits are not appropriate for cases of consumer product testing.
SimpleLab PFAS test kits follow a straightforward process:
- Order the kit designed for your sample type
- Collect your sample using provided, PFAS-free materials
- Mail it to a laboratory
- Receive lab-verified, easy-to-understand results you can trust
All SimpleLab PFAS kits use well-defined, lab certified EPA methods such as EPA 537.1, 533, or 1633, depending on the sample type (also referred to as “matrix”).
PFAS Contamination & Testing Explained
Which SimpleLab PFAS Test Kit Is Right for You?
PFAS testing with SimpleLab is organized by sample type and intended use. Below is a breakdown to help you choose the right kit. Each kit is designed for informational use to help understand the level of contamination.
PFAS Water Test Kits
These kits are designed for drinking water and non-potable water sources, using EPA methods.
GenX and PFAS Water Test
GenX and PFAS Water Test
$501.00
Best for homeowners, businesses, and utilities testing potable water supplies.
EPA 1633 PFAS Non-Potable Water Test
EPA 1633 PFAS Non-Potable Water Test
$883.00
For industrial or non-potable water not intended for drinking.
EPA 1633 PFAS Surface Water Test
EPA 1633 PFAS Surface Water Test
$889.00
Designed for lakes, rivers, streams, and other surface waters.
EPA 1633 PFAS Wastewater Test
EPA 1633 PFAS Wastewater Test
$826.00
Used for influent, effluent, and process water in wastewater systems.
Who these are for:
Environmental consultants, municipalities, industrial facilities, and researchers who need informational data on PFAS levels in water sources.
PFAS Soil Test Kits
EPA 1633 PFAS Soil Test
EPA 1633 PFAS Soil Test
$1011.00
Designed for environmental soil analysis using EPA 1633.
Who this is for:
Environmental professionals, developers, and site managers evaluating PFAS in soil as part of site assessments or remediation planning.
Regulatory Compliance Test Kits
SimpleLab can build custom designed kits for regulatory compliance, matched to specific federal or state requirements. Contact us at hello@gosimplelab.com to discuss.
PFAS Food & Beverage Test Kits
These kits analyze PFAS directly in consumable products using validated laboratory methods.
PFAS Food Test (Method 20A)
PFAS Food Test - 20A
$1322.00
Good for one sample collected from solid food products.
PFAS Beverage Test (Method 20A)
PFAS Beverage Test - 20A
$1374.00
Good for one sample collected from liquid beverages, including bottled drinks and processed liquids.
Who these are for:
Food manufacturers, quality assurance teams, and researchers evaluating the increasingly common presence of PFAS in food or beverage products.
Food Packaging Test Kits
Rather than identifying specific PFAS, Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) represents the total amount of fluorine bound to organic molecules, which includes all PFAS.
Total Organic Fluorine in Food Packaging Test
Total Organic Fluorine in Food Packaging Test
$364.00
Measures total organic fluorine as an indicator of PFAS in packaging materials.
Who this is for:
Manufacturers and quality assurance teams assessing food packaging materials for fluorinated compounds.
You can learn more about this test in particular:
How to Test Food Packaging for Total Organic Fluorine
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I test for PFAS with a DIY kit or test strip?
No. PFAS occurs at extremely low levels and must be analyzed using advanced laboratory instrumentation. DIY methods are not available for PFAS analysis.
Why are there different PFAS test kits?
PFAS testing depends on the sample type, or matrix. Drinking water, wastewater, soil, food, and consumer packaging all require different preparation and analytical methods.
What EPA methods does SimpleLab use?
SimpleLab PFAS kits use EPA methods, including EPA 537.1, 533, and 1633, depending on the application.
How many samples can each kit test?
SimpleLab’s PFAS test kits are good for one sample per matrix only. To take multiple samples within any matrix, you need multiple kits.
Is it difficult to collect a sample?
No. Each SimpleLab kit guides you every step of the way so you can safely collect your PFAS sample without risking contamination, then send it securely to the lab.
Why is PFAS testing so expensive?
Laboratory analysis of PFAS is complex—requiring specialized lab equipment, high purity standards, quality control measures and highly trained chemists to accurately detect and report on these persistent industrial compounds.
Why Choose SimpleLab for PFAS Testing?
SimpleLab makes complicated laboratory testing procedures accessible to professionals from all sectors, with no expertise needed. One digital platform provides access to:
- Certified laboratories
- EPA methods
- Simple, mail-to-lab process
- Kits designed for specific PFAS scenarios
- Secure, easy-to-understand results
When PFAS data matters, laboratory testing is the standard. SimpleLab makes that testing accessible.
To explore our full suite of laboratory testing options, visit the web shop.
The SimpleLab Standard
-
Proven Reliability: SimpleLab partners with North America's leading analytical institutions—including Eurofins, Pace Analytical, SGS, and Microbac—each with their own rigorous quality control protocols to ensure top-tier accuracy. Our certified labs are located across all 50 states, making logistics a breeze.
-
Simplified Sampling: Every kit includes professional-grade materials, clear instructions, automated chain of custody, and free return shipping— making accurate testing effortless.
-
Seamless Experience: We combine human support with automated logistics to help make complex lab analyses accessible to all. From our user interface to our lab reports, we ensure a time-saving, frustration-free process.
Sam brings expertise in water chemistry and environmental engineering to support scientific standards at SimpleLab. She earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Environmental Engineering and has experience in environmental analytical chemistry research.
About SimpleLab
SimpleLab combines world-class laboratory science with customer service to ensure testing your environment is simple, fast and factual. Everything we do is driven by data and supported by a team of experts ready to answer your questions.
