PFAS reference standard combines ten analytes to support trace-level calibration

A ready-to-use mix of ten linear PFAS compounds is designed to reduce preparation steps and support QA/QC in laboratories running trace-level methods.

Calibration is a recurring source of variability in trace analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), particularly where several individual standards must be combined in-house. Restek has addressed this with PFAS-10, a certified reference material (CRM) that supplies ten linear PFAS compounds in a single ready-to-use ampoule.

Supplying the analytes premixed removes several preparation steps. According to the company, this lowers the complexity of building calibration standards and helps laboratories maintain a consistent PFAS workflow.

The mix contains six perfluorinated carboxylic acids spanning four to nine carbons. These are perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA).

Alongside these sit three perfluorinated sulphonic acids – perfluorobutanesulphonic acid (PFBS), perfluorohexanesulphonic acid (PFHxS) and perfluorooctanesulphonic acid (PFOS) – and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA).

Together, these include the compounds required and recommended by the Japan Water Supply Act (April 2026), giving laboratories a reference material matched to that analyte list.

For quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) purposes, Restek formulates the CRM in its ISO-accredited laboratories from PFAS materials of more than 99 per cent purity. The company says this purity supports confidence at ultralow detection levels.

Restek also states that the composition and stability of the mix have been verified to give a long shelf life. It adds that chromatographic performance has been optimised to simplify method development.

PFAS-10 sits within Restek’s wider range of PFAS single standards and multicomponent mixes. The company says it is in stock and ready to ship.